Tradies In Business
Business & Finance
About
Whether you're a plumber, electrician, builder, motor mechanic, landscaper, tiler, glazier, painter, carpenter, concretor or any of the myriad of trades and contractors that keep the world running, this podcast has been produced with you in mind. Your host, Nicole 'Nic' Cox, was born into a tradie family and has first-hand experience of the gut-busting, money stress and pressures that trade businesses can place on their owners and their families! Nic strongly believes in the opportunity that exists for all tradie business owners to create a flexible, financially secure business for now and for their families' future. She interviews guests on a range of topics such as marketing, finance, human resources, legal issues, mindset, motivation, physical and mental health, industry updates and more! Nic loves a laugh and a good story, so tune in for a unique look at how to 'get off the tools' and break the cycle of financial hardship and stress to create the trade business you really wanted!
Episodes
- TIB709 The HR Shortcut That Could Cost You Everything
HR mistakes don't always look like mistakes; sometimes they look like efficiency. Nicole sits down with Kristy-Lee Billett, CEO of People Powered Business and founder of People Powered HR, who brings 20 years of experience helping small bu…
- TIB708 Real Tradie Stories with Josh Prineas from Ecostream Plumbing
Starting a trade business can feel like a massive leap, especially when you’re not sure if you’re ready or where to begin. This week, Nic sits down with one our our Tradiepreneurs, Josh Prineas from Ecostream Plumbing , a plumb…
- TIB707 Why Avoiding Your Numbers Is Costing You
Avoiding your numbers doesn’t make the pressure go away, it quietly makes it worse. Daniel Palmer from Bold Wealth talks about why so many tradies put off getting on top of their finances, how that avoidance impacts long-term wealth…
- TIB706 From Sole Trader to Confident Leader: Nic Stephen on People Skills for Trade Businesses
Moving from being on the tools to leading a team is where many tradies start to feel the pressure, and it’s often the people side of the business that creates the biggest challenges. Nic Stephen from You Who shares what effective lea…
- TIB705 The No-BS Guide to Digital Marketing for Tradies
Most tradies don’t need more marketing.. They need clarity on what actually works. This week, Nic is joined by Rhys Clay, Partner and Head Geek at Kaha Digital , to strip digital marketing back to the essentials for service-based tra…
- TIB704 The Trade Deficit Is Real and What We Can Do About It
Ian Cooper, founder of Workex, discusses Australia's trade deficit and its impact on tradies with Nic on Tradies In Business. They explore challenges like apprenticeship churn and workforce aging, and how Workex Solutions offers digital co…
- TIB703 Real Tradie Stories with Daniel Smith from Dreamscapes Landscapes & Garden Solutions
Daniel Smith from Dreamscapes Landscapes & Garden Solutions shares his experiences from his first year in business, including the challenges of taking any job, learning pricing, and transitioning to leadership. He discusses the impact of s…
- TIB702 The Part of the Solar Industry Everyone Forgot About
This episode features Daniel Lazarus of Industrias discussing the importance of solar maintenance, a segment of the solar industry that receives less attention than installations. They explore how maintenance offers a stable, scalable busi…
- TIB701 Paperwork Isn’t Safety: Simple Systems That Keep Tradies Safe
Gareth Davies of SafeAssure explains to Nic that safety systems, rather than paperwork, are crucial for keeping tradies safe on site. They discuss why many safety documents are ineffective and how to implement simple, understandable system…
- TIB700 A Big Trip Down Memory Lane (Special Episode)
In this special episode of Tradies In Business (TIB700), Nic reflects on the podcast's origins, its development through various segments like Real Tradie Stories and F#ck It Friday, and the community that has formed around it.
- TIB699 Stop Working Through Christmas Again This Year
This episode of Tradies In Business discusses why the Christmas period becomes chaotic for tradies and provides practical strategies to improve cashflow, establish boundaries, align teams, and conserve energy to reduce overwhelm.
- TIB698 Man Unplugged - Why It’s So Hard to Be a Man in Today’s World
John Broadbent, author of Man Unplugged, joins Nic to discuss the difficulties men face in contemporary society. They explore themes of business, personal rebuilding, self-worth, leadership, and legacy, drawing from men's groups and rites…
- TIB697 Unbecoming the Tradie You Thought You Had to Be
In TIB697, Dr. Ash Moreland and Nic discuss the hidden programming that hinders tradies in business. They cover identity, purpose, the impact of hustle culture on personal life, and strategies for overcoming challenges like imposter syndro…
- TIB696 Racing for a Cure: Snap-On Tools, Family, and the Fight Against Cancer
This episode features Adam Wright of Snap-On Tools and drag racer Phil Read discussing Snap-On's collaboration with the McGrath Foundation. They explain how initiatives like selling pink tools and fundraising at races support cancer care n…
- TIB695 Real Tradie Stories with Brendan Wyllie from Str8Edge Construction
Brendan Wyllie shares his journey from apprentice to business owner in construction, detailing mindset shifts, client management, the importance of documentation and quoting systems, and how coaching and delegation led to team growth and p…
- TIB694 Building Smarter Trade Businesses with AI (and a Few Hard Knocks)
Blake discusses his entrepreneurial journey and how tradies can leverage AI to improve business operations. Topics include using AI for administrative tasks, automating communications, and enhancing quoting processes to increase profitabil…
- TIB693 How Small Mistakes Can Destroy Your Business & How to Fix Them Today
Rats in the office? That’s one thing. But running your trade business with the wrong structure? That could cost you everything. Nic is joined by Dan and Tim from the Two Drunk Accountants to talk about something every trade business…
- TIB692 Stop Doing Everything! How to Go from Operator to Leader in Your Trade Business
What if the thing holding your business back isn’t your team, but how you’re leading them? Mick Scotney, ex-sparky now CEO & Founder of Awakened Business , shares what it really takes to build a team that runs without you doing…
- TIB691 Real Tradie Stories with Reece Gately from Wardrobe Refractories
From chemistry labs to high-vis on-site, Reece’s path into the trades was anything but typical. Now running one of Australia’s most unique trade businesses, Wardrobe Refractories, he’s navigating emergency breakdowns, tig…
- TIB690 Real Tradie Stories with Tyson Blanch from My Mobile Mechanic
When Tyson Blanch bought the business, he knew it had potential, but he didn’t expect it to grow so fast. In this episode, Nic and Tyson talk through the journey from solo tradie to team leader, building a thriving workshop with mult…
- TIB689 Why Small Business Owners Need Breathwork (and a Better Broker!)
Finance broker Anthony Hopson from Urban Broker brings a unique perspective to money management, blending his background in banking with breathwork to help tradies shift how they think and feel about money. Nic chats with Anthony about why…
- TIB688 The #1 Mindset Block Killing Tradie Success (And Why It Starts With You)
What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn’t your pricing, team, or strategy.. but your mindset? Nic chats with mindset coach Di Russell about the real reason many tradies feel stuck even when they’re doing all th…
- TIB687 Real Tradie Stories with Miles Astley from Astley Electrical
After four decades in the trade, Miles knows a thing or two about building a business that lasts. Nic chats with Miles about his journey from apprentice to owner of Astley Electrical , and the lessons learned along the way, from business p…
- TIB686 Secrets to Building a Business That Works with Your ADHD Brain
If you’ve ever felt like your brain’s a chaotic mix of too many ideas, unfinished tasks, and caffeine-fueled energy bursts, you’re not broken. You might just be wired differently. And that can be a massive advantage. Skye…
- TIB685 Clicks, Conversions, and No-Fluff Marketing for Tradies
Struggling to make sense of online marketing for your trade business? In this episode, Nic chats with Brandon Willington, from Where U , who breaks down his no-fluff approach to digital marketing using his 3Cs method—Clicks, Conversi…
- TIB683 She says, He says - There's a faction too much friction
Nic and Waz sadly see too many couples who are disconnected, join them as they explore how this happens and share their tips on finding your way back TWL038 re-run See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- TIB682 She says, He says - Can a job title really do all that?
Nic and Waz talk through how a job title can help your parnter begin to understand how much you do within your tradie wife role. TWL036 re-run See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- TIB681 Real Tradie Stories with Dan Boscolo from Timeless Staircases
Running a niche trade business comes with its own set of challenges, and Dan Boscolo from Timeless Staircases knows this firsthand. From starting as an apprentice to leading his own stair-building business, Dan shares how he grew his busin…
- TIB680 Unlocking the Art of Great Leadership and Handling Difficult Conversations
Leadership can be tricky for trade business owners trying to guide their teams. Nic chats with Dani Ferrier, founder of Lead Like a Legend , about how to tackle leadership and tough conversations in the workplace. With years of experience…
- TIB679 She Says, He Says - What's this all about?
We're introducing a new weekly episode where Nic will be joined by Waz to discuss the difference of opinions we all have in relationships! TWL032 re-run See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- TIB678 Throwback - TIB587 TradeMutt: What Loud Shirts Have to Do with Mental Health for Tradies
In just on 5 years a couple of chippy mates, Ed Ross and Dan Allen, have built a small empire in the workwear space. Perhaps more impressively, they've also set up and run their own mental health organisation that delivers free counselling…
- TIB677 Throwback - TIB265 Real Tradie Guys - Starting a Business with Ben Hulsbosch from MOA Heavy Diesel
This instalment of Real Tradie Guys is a cracker. Not only is our guest a Kiwi, a heavy diesel fitter, a West Australian and a TiB Tradiepreneur... he's also a competitive wood chopper! Ben started his business recently like so many other…
- TIB676 Throwback - TIB185 Real Tradie Wives with Amii Jones from Touchwood Tree Services
Amii Jones epitomises many 'tradie wives'. She's incredibly humble about her role in her family and business and tends to understate how much she contributes to the smooth running of both. We had a fantastic chat to one of our rock star Dr…
- TIB675 Throwback - TIB034 How to Market Your Trade Business with Allan Dib from The One Page Marketing Plan
Mar-kuh-ting... that's how Waz sounds it out anyway. While marketing is done to DEATH on just about every podcast known to man, Waz and Nic find a bloke who's got it down to just one page! Although he wrote a whole book on the subject, All…
- TIB674 Throwback - FIF#13 Giving and Receiving Feedback
Feedback is just information...right? Sometimes it's just not that easy. Waz and Nic give each other some feedback and discuss whether and when it's ok to give feedback to others. Oh, and how to (maybe) accept it! See omnystudio.com/listen…
- TIB673 The Cost of Waiting
As the year rushes toward its end, Waz & Nic chat about the power of timing and how it plays a key role in business and life. With the holiday season fast approaching, they share insights into why waiting for the “perfect moment” often lea…
- TIB672 The When, How and Why of Hiring An Apprentice with Jeff Cooke from Apprenticeship Support
If you’ve ever thought about bringing an apprentice on board but felt a bit lost in the process, you're not alone. Jeff Cooke from Apprenticeship Support Australia is here to clear up the confusion and myths around hiring apprentices. He b…
- TIB671 Mortgage Solutions for Tradies - How to Beat Bank Obstacles with Ryan Gair
Looking to buy a home but feeling blocked by strict bank requirements? Ryan Gair, founder of Rate Money , shares how his team helps self-employed tradies overcome the obstacles banks often set. Ryan reveals why traditional banks’ rigid loa…
- TIB670 PRE-CHRISTMAS PART II - How To Make Christmas Merry Again!
As the holiday season approaches, trade business owners face the challenge of avoiding the dreaded Christmas hangover. In part 2 of this Pre-Christmas series, Waz & Nic shares how to keep your marketing game strong amid the pre-Christmas r…
- TIB669 PRE-CHRISTMAS PART I - Are You About To Be Blindsided By Christmas?
Christmas is around the corner, and with it comes the typical chaos that can catch trade business owners off guard. In this first part of the Pre-Christmas series, Waz & Nic share some practical tips to help you prepare for the rush and av…
- TIB668 How to Shield Your Trade Business from Legal Nightmares with Alex Solo
Ever faced issues because you didn’t have a written agreement with your clients? Alex Solo from Sprintlaw shares practical tips on securing your business structure, locking in key contracts, and protecting your brand name from the start. H…
- TIB667 Real Tradie Stories - Rhys & Renee
How do you balance growing a trade business with family life and long-term goals? Rhys and Renee from Functional Air share their story of building a successful business while juggling the demands of parenting and personal aspirations. They…
- TIB666 You Cannot Grow Too Fast Or Too Big. Change Our Minds
Can a business really grow too fast or too big? Waz and Nic take on the question of whether it’s possible to expand too fast or get too big for your own good. They challenge the common fears around growth, pointing out that the real issue…
- TIB665 Do You Need More Systems and Structure to Have a Successful Trade Business?
Running a trade business can feel chaotic, but it’s not always about needing more systems—it’s about improving the ones you’ve already got. Waz and Nic are breaking down how refining your existing processes can lead to more efficiency and…
- TIB664 Going Hard On Soft Skills And Being A True Leader with Leah Mether
When it comes to hiring, focusing on leadership and soft skills can make a real difference in building well-rounded and effective teams. Do you agree? Leah Mether, a Communication & Soft Skills Specialist, joins Waz & Nic to chat about com…
- TIB663 The 3 Most Common Questions We Get Asked by Trade Business Owners
Ever find yourself puzzled by why your profit doesn’t match your bank balance? Or wonder why there never seem to be enough hours in the day? Waz & Nic are answering the top three questions trade business owners ask the most. Plus they clea…
- TIB662 The Secret to Winning Business Awards Twice in a Row with Ben Hulsbosch
For this special episode, Waz and Nic chat with Ben Hulsbosch, aka "Bin Chicken," who’s won the "Top of the Trade - Sole Trader" award two years in a row at the Tradies in Business Excellence Awards. Ben shares his journey from heavy diese…
- TIB661 What Happens To Your Business When You Die with Vanessa Emilio from Legal123
Many business owners shy away from planning for the future and protecting their assets—like figuring out what happens to your business when you pass away. Vanessa Emilio from Legal123 brings her law and finance expertise to guide us throug…
- TIB660 An Honest Talk About Parenting and Mindsets
Waz & Nic share personal stories on parenting and personal growth, from breaking away from negative family patterns to reflecting on the joys and challenges of being later-life parents. They discuss the power of a positive mindset, the imp…
- TIB659 Dr Gina Cleo Talking Breaking Bad Habits, Changing Your Brain And Getting What You Want
Waz & Nic sit down with Dr. Gina Cleo, a habit change expert who’s here to challenge everything you thought you knew about breaking bad habits and creating lasting change. Dr. Cleo emphasises that making consistent, small changes is more e…