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

🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Discovery Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytMost tradies don’t need more motivation. They need clearer targets.In this 492nd episode of The Site Shed, Matt Jones chats with Zak Saboune from Service Today about how to build KPIs that your team actually understands, buys into, and performs for. No fluffy corporate scorecards. Just simple, practical numbers and behaviours that drive better productivity, stronger culture, and more profit.If you’ve ever felt like your team is busy but results are inconsistent, this one will help you set expectations properly and track what matters without turning the business into a spreadsheet.Key Chapters:00:00 - Teaser01:30 - Introduction of Guest Zach Saboune04:45 - Current Scale of the Business06:26 - Managing Growth with KPIs11:00 - Implementing Business Frameworks15:32 - The Importance of Systemization16:47 - Private Equity and Business Value22:01 - Customer Acquisition Strategy27:26 - Maximizing Lifetime Customer Value31:34 - The Membership Model: Total Care Club38:58 - Delivering on Membership Value47:40 - Sticking to the B2C Vertical53:42 - Staff Retention and Culture57:54 - Training for Brand Consistency59:19 - Future Outlook for Service Today📲 Watch On Youtube: The Site Shed YouTube Channel🎙 About Our Guest: Zac SabouneZac Saboune is the CEO of Service Today and a leader in the Australian home services space, known for helping build one of the country’s largest service businesses. In this episode, he shares practical insights on KPIs, productivity, customer lifetime value, and building a trade business that scales with clarity and accountability.CONNECT WITH ZAC SABOUNEWebsite: https://www.servicetoday.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServiceTodayAuInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/servicetoday/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zak-saboune-ceo-of-australia-s-largest-home-service-company-53ba2a150/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

🎯 Free Tools for Growing Trade Businesses: https://tradie.wiki/pod🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytWant to stop selling “membership discounts” and start building repeat work the simple way? Earn loyalty with trust, follow-up, and a customer experience that makes you the only plumber they remember.In Episode 491, Matt sits down with Scott Irwin from Network Plumbing to talk about why plumbing memberships usually do more harm than good for reactive residential services. Scott breaks down how the membership model got dragged over from HVAC, why discounts are “illusion value”, and why most tradies would be better off building loyalty through simple follow-up and consistent customer experience instead.You will also hear practical ideas on staying top of mind without spamming people, why direct mail still wins, when scheduled maintenance style programmes actually make sense (think strata and commercials), and how to upsell ethically by having the right conversation with the right decision- maker on site.Key Chapters:📲 Listen On The Go! https://tradie.wiki/listen🎙 About Our Guest: Scott IrwinScott Irwin is the driving force behind Network Plumbing, an Australian plumbing business focused on delivering reliable service and long-term customer relationships.Connect With Scott Irwin:Website: https://networkplumbing.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/networkplumbingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/networktradies_/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/network-plumbing/Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-irwin-5b413a31/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/ 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

🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web GuysIf you are obsessing over CPA (cost per acquisition) in your plumbing business, you might be making decisions that hurt your long-term profit.In episode 490, Matt Jones sits down with Scott Irwin from Network Plumbing (Sydney) to break down why reactive trades like plumbing and electrical need to stop judging marketing only by short-term lead costs and start thinking in lifetime value (LTV).Key Chapters:00:00 - Teaser00:49 - Introduction and Scott's Background03:32 - Defining Lifetime Value (LTV)06:30 - Strategies for Long-term Customer Satisfaction10:34 - Levers to Improve Customer Lifetime Value12:35 - Business Growth and Evolving Marketing14:58 - The Importance of Personal Relationships and Manners17:21 - Training New Employees and Apprentices21:14 - Practical Frameworks for Service Excellence25:08 - Addressing Price Concerns with Value and Urgency28:48 - Closing Thoughts and Future Episode TeaserRelated Episodes:Episode 439 with Scott Irwin (Network Plumbing journey)Episode 440 with Scott Irwin (Designing your ideal life)CONNECT WITH SCOTT IRWINWebsite: https://networkplumbing.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/networkplumbingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/networktradies_/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/network-plumbing/Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-irwin-5b413a31/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

🎯 Free Tools for Growing Trade Businesses: https://tradie.wiki/pod🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytIf you feel like you’re flat out in your building business but the profit still doesn’t match the effort, this episode is for you.In Episode 489, Matt sits down with Greg Wilkes from Develop Coaching to unpack what actually separates a $1M builder from a $10M builder and the shift from being the best tradie on site to becoming the business leader who builds a team, installs simple systems, protects margins, and creates a pipeline that doesn’t rely on you doing everything.🎥 Watch the video version of this podcast at: @TheSiteShedKey Chapters:00:00 - Mindset Shift: Tradesperson to Entrepreneur00:44 - Meet Greg Wilkes: Construction Industry Expert01:10 - Scaling from $1 Million to $10 Million04:47 - The Pitfall of High Net Profit (and Not Investing)08:04 - Healthy Net Profit Margins for Builders10:00 - The Myth of Staying on the Tools16:43 - The Importance of Org Charts and Future Hiring17:54 - Strategy for First Hires: Start Low with Admin/VA24:17 - First Big Hire: The Site Supervisor25:10 - The Business Owner's Focus: Marketing and Sales27:19 - The Challenge of Systemizing and AI's Impact33:46 - Systemizing for Leverage: Focus on Repeatable Tasks38:54 - The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers42:15 - Simplifying Financial Numbers for Builders46:10 - Mapping Out a Plan for Growth: Job Value Over Volume48:40 - How to Contact Greg Wilkes (Develop Coaching)🎙️ About Our Guest: Greg WilkesGreg Wilkes is a trade business coach at Develop Coaching, helping builders and tradies scale from being on the tools to running a profitable, systemised business.CONNECT WITH GREG WILKESWebsite: https://developcoaching.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greg.wilkes.coachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/greg.wilkes.coach/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-wilkes/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopCoachingLinks mentioned:Develop Coaching (Australia): https://developcoaching.com.au/Develop Coaching (UK): https://developcoaching.co.uk/Free book download: Building Your Future: https://developcoaching.com.au/download-building-your-future/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

🎯 Free Tools for Growing Trade Businesses: https://tradie.wiki/pod🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytIf you have plenty of work booked in but you still feel broke, stressed, or behind on cash, this episode is for you.In Episode 488, Matt sits down with Kurt Hegeschweiler from Builders Coach to unpack the real reason tradies and builders get squeezed: you end up financing the job while you wait to get paid.You will learn how to stop bleeding cash, protect your margin, and set your business up so money comes in before it goes out. Key Chapters:00:00 - Teaser00:53 - Welcome to the podcast, Kurt!01:26 - Kurt's background and specialty in helping builders with optimization and peak performance06:05 - The preservation mindset of many accountants and bookkeepers12:49 - The importance of having a plan in place18:09 - Positioning yourself as the expert within your specific vertical24:40 - Processes are essential for successfully scaling a business31:15 - Kurt's simplified financial metrics: 25% Gross Margin, 10% Overheads, 15% Net Profit (25/10/15)37:41 - The confusion between net profit and money in the bank42:07 - Good process and proactive communication is a form of marketing and value-add48:53 - The power of the Profit First business model for financial clarity54:49 - A goal without a strategy is a wish📲 Watch on YouTube!🎙️ About Our Guest: Kurt HegeschweilerKurt Hegeschweiler is a business coach who works primarily with residential builders (custom homes and renovations) through Builders Coach. He's best known for helping builders optimise profit, cash flow, and performance, including guiding over 100 builders to seven-figure net profit results.CONNECT WITH KURT HEGESCHWEILERWebsite: Builder's CoachInstagram FacebookLinkedIn Links mentioned in this episode:Million Dollar Builder 2.0 (Amazon and Audible): https://amzn.to/4pv6rd3Psycho-Cybernetics: https://amzn.to/3LCOviKCONNECT 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

🎯 Free Tools for Growing Trade Businesses: https://tradie.wiki/pod🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytIn Episode 487, Matt sits down with Jed Bolton, a Perth-based solar and electrical business owner who has quietly built a seriously scalable operation without obsessing over more leads. Jed shares how shifting from subcontractor-heavy work to a system-driven sales process helped him 10x revenue while keeping the team lean and the growth manageable.If you’re flat out, wearing every hat, and still feel like you’re chasing your tail, this episode is a blueprint for stepping back from lead chaos, tightening your process, and spending your time where it actually moves the needle (closing jobs and building the team).Key Chapters:00:00 - Teaser01:14 - Welcome Jed Bolton!03:27 - Shift from predominantly subcontracting work to having leads06:17 - Subcontracting work is just a job09:11 - Customers often think they know what they want more than they actually do13:00 - The first constraint hit is in fulfilment15:38 - The value of the sales executive program18:32 - Site visits should be for closing jobs, not checking out work20:40 - Drive around closing jobs, not doing quotes24:34 - The impact roadmap session27:21 - The goal of consistency and manageable growth28:33 - Final thoughts📲 Watch on YouTube! 🎙 About Our Guest: Jed BoltonJed Bolton is a Perth-based solar and electrical business owner who specialises in larger-scale residential solar installations (around 13 kW to 50 kW), as well as batteries and renewables. He built a scalable operation by tightening his sales process, focusing on close rate, and shifting from subcontractor-heavy work to a more system-driven model.CONNECT WITH JED BOLTONWebsite: https://boltonec.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bolton.ec/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552818021459LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jed-bolton-a21a1a300/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

🎯 Free Tools for Growing Trade Businesses: https://tradie.wiki/pod🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytIf you've established a strong trade business but it's beginning to feel repetitive, this episode offers a fresh start.In Episode 486, Matt sits down with Jeremiah Webb from Shop On Fire to unpack why the fire dies (even when the numbers look positive) and how you can get your energy, purpose, and momentum back without blowing up what you have already built.You will learn practical ways to snap out of the grind, stop feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate, and lead with energy again so your team lifts too. 0:00 Teaser1:14 Welcome and Jeremiah's Background4:44 Reigniting Passion and Scaling Business8:16 Fulfillment is Not Default: Manual vs. Autopilot12:11 Staying Motivated and the Value of Habits over Goals15:31 The Myth of Overwhelm: Being Stretched is Not More Than You Can Handle17:28 The Importance of Foundational Grit and Pushing Limits22:51 Great Athlete vs. Elite Athlete: Bouncing Back Faster24:55 Reframing Failure as a Lesson27:01 Recovery Time and Suffering is Optional31:57 Framework for Moving Past Setbacks35:08 Problems Never Go Away, They Increase in Quality39:03 The Cure-All: Massive Action and the Physiology of Motivation46:01 Defining Purpose and Maintaining Focus47:37 Meetings Should be for Making Decisions51:57 Sticking to Something and Steady Growth55:42 Framework for Coaching Cadence and Levers for Change58:31 VIP Coaching and the Window of Opportunity📲 Listen On The Go! https://tradie.wiki/listen🎙️ About Our Guest: Jeremiah WebbJeremiah Webb is the founder of Shop On Fire and a high-performance coach who helps trade business owners rebuild energy, clarity, and momentum when the grind starts to take over. With a background in the trades (including HVAC) and years working with business owners, he shares practical frameworks you can use to lead better, feel better, and grow without burning out.CONNECT WITH JEREMIAH WEBBWebsite: https://shoponfire.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremiahwebb.1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremiahwebb.officialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiahwebb/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremiahwebb.officialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeremiahwebb.officialLinktree: https://linktr.ee/jeremiahwebbCONNECT 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.lin 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

🎯 Free Tools for Growing Trade Businesses: https://tradie.wiki/pod🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytIt's no longer just fast food to franchise. It could also be one of the best ways for tradies to grow without getting too tired.In this 485th episode of The Site Shed Podcast, Matt sits down with Jon Ostenson, CEO of FranBridge Consulting, to break down what franchising really looks like for trade and service-based businesses.If you’re stuck in the day-to-day, thinking about growth, or wondering how others scale using systems, people, and capital that aren’t all on their shoulders, this episode is a must-watch.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔ The biggest myths tradies believe about franchising✔ Franchise vs licensing vs alliance models (what’s the difference?)✔ Why private equity is chasing trade & home service franchises✔ When franchising actually makes sense (and when it doesn’t)Key Chapters:0:00 - Teaser1:12 - Discussing the dynamics of franchising and non-food franchising6:04 - Reasons to consider a franchise model for an existing business10:07 - Limitations and "red tape" of franchising12:11 - Addressing the perception of increased cost for customers of franchises15:15 - Expectations and systems within a franchise17:31 - Legalities and approval around branding and marketing19:09 - Digital marketing challenges for franchisees23:21 - Backgrounds of people who join a franchise25:26 - Support available for franchisees and their teams27:13 - Choosing between buying an existing business and a new franchise29:16 - Exit strategy and typical returns for a franchisee31:49 - Ownership of intellectual property (IP) like customer databases35:57 - John Austinen's book, *Non-Food Franchising*38:13 - The typical avatar best suited to the franchise dynamic📲 Listen On The Go! https://tradie.wiki/listen🎙 About Our Guest: Jon OstensonJon Ostenson is a leading expert in non-food franchising and the founder of FranBridge Consulting, where he helps business owners scale through proven franchise models. He has collaborated with numerous entrepreneurs and trade professionals to establish scalable, systematised businesses, avoiding the need to start from the beginning.🤝 CONNECT WITH JON OSTENSONWebsite: https://franbridgeconsulting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonOstenson1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.ostenson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JonOstensonFBCCONNECT WITH THE TRADIE WEB GUYS!Website: https://www.tradiewebguys.com.au/LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/tradie-web-guysMatt’s LinkedIn: https://www.lin 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

🎯 Free Tools To Help Your Business: https://tradie.wiki/pod🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Marketing For Your Business – Book A Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/ytIn Episode 484 of The Site Shed Podcast, Matt Jones is joined by entrepreneur and investor Greg Cassar to break down one of the biggest questions tradies is starting to ask: is taking control of your super actually worth the extra work?Greg shares why many business owners unknowingly rely too heavily on their business or default super fund and how shifting from “business owner only” to “business owner + investor” can completely change your long-term freedom. This episode unpacks how superannuation really works, why set-and-forget isn’t always the best approach, and what tradies should understand before considering a self-managed super fund (SMSF).If you’re making good money but haven’t thought deeply about how it’s growing for your future, this conversation is a practical wake-up call; focused on control, education, and playing the long game.🎥 Watch the video version of this podcast at: https://youtu.be/DxSzs1M8zNYKey Chapters:00:00 – Teaser04:40 – The trap of relying only on your business08:10 – How inflation and fees eat away at super12:10 – What a self-managed super fund really involves16:40 – Thinking long-term instead of short-term gains21:10 – Emotional control and investing discipline25:40 – Playing the long game as a tradie30:10 – Business owner vs business owner + investor34:40 – Final mindset shifts for long-term freedomCONNECT WITH GREG CASSARWebsite: https://collective.com.auInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregcassarTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gregcassarYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@greg_cassar 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

🎯 Free Tools for Growing Trade Businesses: https://tradie.wiki/pod🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytMost tradie business owners want great staff…But retaining them long-term is a whole different challenge.In this episode of The Site Shed Podcast, Matt sits down with Chris Buttenham, founder of Reins, to unpack a smarter way to reward and retain key team members, without giving away control of your business.They break down phantom equity, profit sharing, and incentive structures that help trade business owners:✔️ Build loyalty✔️ Align staff with business growth✔️ Create real exit options✔️ Avoid the risks of traditional equityIf you’re struggling to keep good people, thinking about your long-term exit, or want your team to care about the numbers as much as you do, this episode is a must-watch.KEY CHAPTERS00:00 – Teaser02:00 – Meet Chris Buttenham & his contractor background04:40 – Why exit planning is broken for most tradies07:05 – Real stories: equity, private equity & staff buy-in09:40 – What is phantom equity?12:25 – Phantom equity vs real equity explained15:15 – Using equity to retain and motivate key staff18:35 – Vesting, performance rules & protecting the owner23:45 – Equity vs profit share: what to use and when28:25 – Transparency, numbers & educating your team34:05 – How to set this up properly (and keep it simple)38:55 – Where to learn more & final takeaways📲 Listen On The Go! https://tradie.wiki/listenABOUT OUR GUESTChris Buttenham is the co-founder and CEO of Reins, a platform helping contractors reward and retain key staff through simple, low-risk equity incentives. With roots in a family contracting business and experience in tech and M&A, Chris specialises in making complex equity and exit strategies practical for trade business owners.CONNECT WITH CHRIS BUTTENHAMWebsite: https://www.myreins.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myreinsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/reinstechnologiesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/myreins/ 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

🎯 Free Tools To Help Your Business: https://tradie.wiki/pod 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Marketing For Your Business – Learn More About Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/yt In Episode 482, Matt is joined by Claudio Gambin, a financial adviser and tax strategist who specialises in helping trade and construction business owners stop overpaying tax and start using smarter financial strategies. If your accountant only speaks to you at tax time, pushes generic advice, or can’t explain how to legally reduce your effective tax rate, this episode will open your eyes. Claudio breaks down the most common tax red flags tradies miss, why being proactive matters more than minimising tax at all costs, and how to reinvest savings back into your business to fuel long-term growth. This conversation goes beyond tax returns and dives into strategy, cash flow, scalability, and what actually makes a trade business bankable and sellable. 🎥 Watch the video version of this podcast at: https://youtu.be/8bLf7qGbibM Key Chapters: 00:00 – The tax questions tradies should be asking 01:10 – Why most tradies overpay tax 03:54 – The best investment is your business (not more assets) 08:41 – Why reinvesting profit is tax-effective 10:00 – Proactive tax planning explained 15:08 – Depreciation, leverage & overlooked tax wins 18:04 – The 3 golden questions for your accountant 21:20 – Using tax savings to fuel growth 24:45 – Eliminating lifestyle expenses from your business 28:13 – What makes a trade business sellable 38:05 – Strategy, time, and staying proactive Links mentioned in this episode: GFG Solutions: https://gfgsolutions.com/ Claudio on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudgambin/ Connect With Claudio Gambin: Website: https://gfgsolutions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudgambin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claudio.gambin/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiogambin 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

🎯 Free Tools for Growing Trade Businesses: https://tradie.wiki/pod🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytWith online ads becoming noisier, more expensive, and harder to trust, many trade business owners are rediscovering the power of physical, personalised marketing that actually gets noticed.In Episode 481 of The Site Shed Podcast, Matt Jones sits down with Wilson Zehr, direct mail and marketing automation expert from Zairmail, to unpack why direct mail is making a serious comeback for tradies in 2026 and why relying on digital-only marketing may be hurting your conversions.This episode is packed with real-world examples, practical frameworks, and clear do’s and don’ts for using direct mail alongside digital marketing to win more local jobs, improve follow-up, and stand out in crowded markets, so make sure to listen until the end!Key Chapters:00:00 - Teaser02:43 - Meet Wilson Zehr: From Software Engineer to Strategic Marketing06:17 - The Nike Success Story and Why *Shoe Dog* is a Must-Read08:52 - From Surfboards to Zairmail (Mail as Fast as Email)12:26 - The "Junk Mail" Flip: Why Direct Mail Breaks the Digital Noise15:04 - Marketing as a Mechanic (Direct Mail & Digital)17:42 - Building Communication into the American Routine20:30 - The 70/20/10 Rule (The Ultimate Direct Response Formula)24:43 - Segmenting Voters for Overwhelming Success27:32 - Proximity Mail: The Best Way for Home Service Businesses to Target Geographically30:40 - Case Study or Offer, How Real Estate Agents Use Mail?33:41 - Avoid the Shotgun Approach (Hyper-Personalization is Key)36:25 - Why You Need to Be Remembered Before Disaster Strikes39:34 - The Power of Fridge Magnets and Referral Stickers43:56 - Scaling Past Word-of-Mouth47:37 - Why Monthly Newsletters Beat Unreliable Email Deliverability50:23 - Nurturing Leads with Email, SMS, and Direct Mail53:24 - Direct Mail Best Practices56:24 - Keep Messages Short and Drive Traffic to Video1:00:33 - Your Website is Your Credibility📲 Watch the video version! https://youtu.be/03B4nwRFBLMCONNECT WITH WILSON ZEHRWebsite: https://www.zairmail.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilsonzehr/Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/wilson.zehrFacebook (Business): https://www.facebook.com/Zairmail/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilsonzehrCONNECT WITH THE TRADIE WEB GUYS!Website: https://www.tradiewebguys.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TradiewebguysAusFacebook: 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

🎯 Free Tools for Growing Trade Businesses: https://tradie.wiki/pod🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytHiring good people has never been harder. And it’s not getting easier in 2026.If you’re a tradie or contractor struggling to find, keep, or motivate good staff, this episode will change how you think about hiring forever.In this 480th episode of The Site Shed, Matt sits down with Tom Reardon, founder of PeopleIN and one of Australia’s most experienced workforce leaders, to break down what actually works when labour is tight and why most trade businesses are unknowingly making hiring harder than it needs to be.This isn’t theory. It’s real-world, boots-on-the-ground advice from someone who’s scaled teams across Australia and New Zealand.If you’re sick of reacting to hiring problems and want a long-term game plan, this episode is a must-listen.Key Chapters:00:00 - Teaser01:18 - Tom's Background and People Infrastructure Explained03:36 - Culture is Not Static: How it Evolves as Your Business Grows06:39 - The "Rotting Apple" Problem: How One Bad Attitude Kills a Team09:16 - The Astronomic Cost of a Bad Hire (It's 3 Times Their Salary)12:26 - Beyond Salary: Attracting Talent with a Career Path, Not Just a Job15:47 - The Danger of Promoting Sideways (Don't Damage a Good Career)18:01 - Can Bad Attitudes Be Turned Around? (Only with a Strong Culture)21:20 - Performance-Based Remuneration: The Future of Trade Incentives24:59 - Using NPS (Net Promoter Score) for Accountability27:48 - Why Most Trade Businesses Lack Strategy30:38 - Stop the Doing: The Importance of 90-Day Resets33:02 - Inaccurate Data Trap: Net Profit Percentage vs. Dollar Value36:26 - Culture Must Evolve: Everyone is Responsible for the Core Values39:19 - Promoting Leadership: Markers of Action and Results42:47 - Why Australian Trades Are Globally Sought After (Quality and Standards)👤 About the Guest: Tom ReardonTom Reardon is the founder of PeopleIN, one of Australia’s largest workforce and labour hire groups. With over 20 years in recruitment, labour hire, and workforce strategy, Tom has helped businesses scale without losing culture, even in the tightest labour markets.CONNECT WITH TOM REARDONWebsite: https://www.peoplein.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/convos_on_the_couch/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-reardon-555b614/CONNECT WITH THE TRADIE WEB GUYS!Website: https://www.tradiewebguys.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TradiewebguysAusFacebook: 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/ 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

🎯 Free Tools for Growing Trade Businesses: https://tradie.wiki/pod🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssyt2025 was a big year, and for many trade businesses, it came with some hard lessons.In this solo episode, Matt Jones looks back on what actually worked and what didn’t across hundreds of trade businesses he’s worked with throughout the year. It’s a real-world review from inside the trenches of marketing, sales, and business growth.If you felt busy in 2025 but didn’t see the results you expected, this episode will help you understand why and what needs to change if 2026 is going to be different.What You’ll Learn:✔ Why strategy must come before marketing✔ The danger of spending money without systems✔ Why more leads won’t fix broken processes✔ How scaling creates new problems if you’re not prepared✔ The mindset shifts trade business owners resisted in 2025✔ What you should reflect on before planning 2026Key Chapters:00:00 - Teaser 00:42 - Welcome and reflections on the year 202501:15 - Thank you for support! (almost 500 episodes!)02:04 - Appreciating listener feedback and requests03:48 - Expanding the Academy and resources04:15 - Upcoming events: Ski Workshop and Surf Workshop05:12 - Business workshops and making events a business expense06:14 - Key takeaways from 2025 #1: Strategy07:37 - Key takeaways from 2025 #2: System08:32 - Key takeaways from 2025 #3: Scale and Fulfillment09:46 - Key takeaways from 2025 #4: Spending the money to get the outcome11:11 - The Profit First Model12:52 - Stop subscribing to doom and gloom13:46 - Stop, reflect, and appreciate14:35 - Do your research15:16 - Look after yourself (physically and mentally)16:00 - Closing thoughts on 2026 and making a decision🎧 Listen to the audio version of this podcast at: https://tradie.wiki/listenCONNECT WITH THE SITE SHED!Website: https://www.thesiteshed.comFacebook: 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/c/TradiewebguysAusFacebook: 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

🎯 Free Tools for Growing Trade Businesses: https://tradie.wiki/pod🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Book a Free Strategy Call with Tradie Web Guys: https://tradie.wiki/tssytHR isn’t why you started your trade business. But getting it wrong can cost you serious time, money, and stress.In this 478th episode of The Site Shed, Matt sits down with Karen Hillen from My HR Partner to break down what Fair Work actually cares about when it comes to tradie businesses with employees and contractors.This isn’t theory or corporate HR talk. It’s practical, trade-specific advice to help you avoid common HR traps and protect your business.🕒 Key Chapters00:59 – Why HR mistakes hurt tradie businesses02:04 – Meet Karen Hillen & what an HR partner does03:29 – Employee vs contractor: the core confusion06:19 – When a contractor is legally an employee10:04 – Contractor vs casual employee explained14:39 – Trade award entitlements most tradies miss17:59 – Redundancy & leave liabilities in trade businesses23:14 – How Fair Work handles complaints34:14 – Performance management: act early, not late40:09 – Contracts, VAs & getting the right HR adviceWhat You’ll Learn:✔ The real difference between an employee and a contractor✔ When a contractor should legally be treated as an employee✔ Why contracts alone won’t protect you✔ Trade award entitlements most tradies don’t know about✔ When redundancy pay applies, even if someone resigns✔ How Fair Work handles complaints and underpayments✔ How to deal with performance issues before they explode📲 Listen On The Go! https://tradie.wiki/listenCONNECT WITH KAREN HILLENWebsite: https://www.myhrp.com.auHR Hub: https://myhrp.com.au/hr-hub/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhrpartnerauFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyHRPartnerAustraliaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenhillen/CONNECT WITH THE SITE SHED!Website: https://www.thesiteshed.comFacebook: 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/ 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

Are your quotes accidentally pushing good clients away?In this 477th episode of The Site Shed, Matt sits down with sales and leadership expert Drew Norton to break down the real reasons tradies lose work and how a few simple mindset and process shifts can help you win better clients without relying on low prices.Drew gives useful tips for making the discovery process better, leading with confidence, making sure people understand their options, and building a sales system that really works.If you want to charge what you're worth and stop clients from ghosting after the quote… this one’s for you.🕒 Key Chapters00:29 Drew Norton's background and expertise01:22 Changing the perception of sales & leadership02:31 The shift away from old-school, pushy selling03:45 Why mindset drives sales success06:43 The two real barriers to business growth13:11 Why documenting processes is critical14:36 How to communicate benefits, not features24:50 “Sales Inception” (Drew’s 3-step framework)28:54 The discovery phase: qualify before you quote40:59 Defining customer avatars & speaking to pain points🔧 What You’ll LearnWhy tradies struggle with sales (and how to fix it)The mindset shift that makes quoting easierHow to create a sales process you can train staff to followDiscovery questions that uncover what clients actually wantHow to avoid giving away free expertiseWhy you MUST stop talking in features and start talking in benefitsHow to confidently present options without sounding salesy📲 Listen On The Go! https://tradie.wiki/listen🎙 About Our Guest: Drew NortonFounder of The Everyday Sales Leader, Drew helps business owners improve their sales confidence, leadership skills, and communication. His frameworks have helped tradies grow their revenue, raise prices, and build stronger teams in the tradie industry.CONNECT WITH DREW NORTONThe Everyday Sales Leader Website: https://theeverydaysalesleader.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeverydaysalesleader/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theeverydaysalesleader/Quiz: The Everyday Sales Leader Quiz 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

👉 FREE tools, templates & resources for tradies: https://tradie.wiki/podIn this 476th episode of The Site Shed, Matt Jones sits down with cybersecurity expert Ronnie Manning, Chief Brand Advocate at Yubico, to dive deep into best practices for protecting trade-based businesses and contractors like you in the digital age.Discover the real risks of password reuse, why two-factor (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are a MUST for your team, and how passkeys and physical security keys are shaping the future of online security.Key Chapters:00:00 – Teaser01:20 – What Yubico does & why authentication keys matter02:35 – How hackers get into business accounts through admin access04:18 – MFA, 2FA and the evolution of authentication05:36 – Passkeys explained: the strongest form of login security06:03 – How physical YubiKeys work in real life12:04 – The most common cyber breach scenarios for SMBs17:43 – Why password managers are essential for every business25:12 – MFA as the “seat belt” of cybersecurity31:27 – New global data: Gen Z most likely to fall for phishingYou'll learn:✔ Why using the same password for everything is dangerous, and what to do instead;✔ How password managers can simplify your digital life while boosting security✔ The evolution of authentication: From SMS codes to passkeys and physical security keys like Yubikey✔ What “phishing-resistant authentication” actually means, and why it matters✔ How to protect your business accounts from hackers, even in collaborative teams✔ Browser and VPN tips to keep your data safe (especially when traveling or working remotely)✔ Real-world stories, practical policies, and step-by-step strategies for small businesses📲 Listen On The Go! https://tradie.wiki/listenCONNECT WITH YUBICOWebsite: https://www.yubico.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCqkvjt06Q4hejDEo5PZt6zg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yubico/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yubico/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YubikeyCONNECT WITH RONNIE MANNING:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronniemanning/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronniemanning/ 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

🎯 Free Tools for Growing Trade Businesses: https://tradie.wiki/podCONNECT WITH LIZ CHISMWebsite: https://www.lizchism.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/liz_chism/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-chism-coachingE-book: https://lizchism.com/ebookWant to streamline your operations, improve your marketing, or close more jobs?Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, guides, and insights that actually help your business!👉 Check it out: https://tradie.wiki/podIn this 475th episode of The Site Shed, Liz Chism, a contractor-turned-award-winning brewer, rebuilt her business and life by systemising everything. After working 100-hour weeks, Liz transformed her brewery into a business that ran smoothly without her, even while she travelled overseas with her phone off.Today, she assists other tradies in achieving the same goals: eliminating chaos, increasing profit, and creating a business that provides them with a sense of relief.This episode offers a wealth of practical strategies for contractors who may be feeling overburdened, underpaid, or lacking a clear path to growth, so make sure to watch until the end!Key Chapters:00:00 Liz’s turning point and escaping 100-hour weeks02:26 Growing up in construction and early lessons05:29 How systems saved her business (and sanity)10:05 The 80/20 rule tradies ignore12:16 Why SEO is changing with LLMs15:58 Content, trust, and lead conversion19:07 The follow-up gap costing contractors thousands21:26 The “Chaos Tax” and hidden profit leaks23:55 Estimating mistakes and the real cost of inaccuracy27:25 Why more leads aren’t always the answer30:30 Wearing too many hats and valuing your time properly32:39 Cadence, routines, and becoming a true CEO41:44 Scheduling mistakes that blow out jobs46:24 Incentivising your team for performance50:16 Final advice for overwhelmed contractorsCONNECT WITH US!https://www.thesiteshed.comhttps://www.facebook.com/thesiteshedhttps://www.instagram.com/thesiteshed/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-site-shed/If you enjoyed this podcast and this series, please take 5 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

🎯 Free Tools for Growing Trade Businesses: https://tradie.wiki/podCONNECT WITH BRYAN CLAYTON!Website: https://www.yourgreenpal.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryanmclayton/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/GreenPal/495779490484818Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-clayton-a96b33214Want to streamline your operations, improve your marketing, or close more jobs?Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, guides, and insights that actually help your business!👉 Check it out: https://tradie.wiki/podIn this 474th episode of The Site Shed, Bryan Clayton dives deep into building predictable revenue for trade businesses by using Costco's membership model as a blueprint, and what he revealed was amazing value for tradies like you.Learn the crucial steps for creating irresistible service agreements for your plumbing, electrical, and HVAC customers, and stop leaving money on the table!Key Chapters0:00 Teaser1:05 Selling Memberships to Plumbers & Electricians3:47 The "Steve Martin Approach" to Irresistible Offers7:07 Why Are Trades Still Operating Like It's 1997?10:33 The 'Insurance Model' for Plumbing and Electrical Service13:30 How to Experiment with Your Best Customers First15:07 Steal These Membership Secrets from Uber and Amazon Prime22:14 The No-Brainer Membership Model for HVAC Businesses27:38 Leveraging Seasonality30:25 The Tech You NEED to Manage Service Agreements (Is it worth it?)CONNECT WITH US!https://www.thesiteshed.comhttps://www.facebook.com/thesiteshedhttps://www.instagram.com/thesiteshed/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-site-shed/If you enjoyed this podcast and this series, please take 5 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

In episode 473, host Matt Jones sits down with Sean Samson, dialing in from Cleveland, Ohio, for the third and final part of their enlightening series. Today, they’re diving deep into the powerful world of service agreements—why they matter, how you can sell them effectively, and the massive opportunity they represent for electricians, plumbers, and other reactive-service businesses looking to build recurring revenue.Matt and Sean break down the nuts and bolts of what a service agreement actually is, outlining the differences between commercial, industrial, and residential sectors, and sharing real-world tactics for turning a standard job into a long-term client relationship. From the importance of having a solid sales process, to insightful tips on targeting the right demographics, and how technology plays a key role in making service agreements work, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for business owners wanting to grow sustainably.Timestamps: 00:00 "How to Sell Service Agreements"06:12 NFPA Standards for Service Agreements09:36 Residential Maintenance Membership Benefits11:45 Selling Through Fear of Loss15:01 Seasonal Maintenance Tips16:53 Targeting High-Value Service Customers22:14 "Technology Needed for Service Agreements"24:45 Sean's Show Notes and Episodes 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