Better Builder Podcast

How To Build A Successful Construction Business In Brisbane | (2025 Highlights) #86

14 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis special compilation episode features the best business insights from our recent Brisbane Builder Tour, highlighting five of the cit...

What Architects Want In A Builder | Jeremy Chapman #85

07 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we sit down with Jeremy Chapman, founder of JCA STUDIO, an award-winning Auckland-based practice committed to authentic and c...

How to Design a Good Home | Craig Moller #84

30 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWe sit down with Craig Moller, Director at Moller Architects, to discuss the deeper meaning behind design. With three decades of experie...

How A Lone Wolf Became An Award Winning Architect | Jeremy Brick #83

23 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we chat with Jeremy Brick from Studio Brick Architects, a design-led office renowned for its elegant, creative, and considere...

How To Teach High Schoolers How to Build | Luke Kanuta #BBA 12

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis month, we sit down with Luke Kanuta, one of the key teachers in charge of the innovative Building Academy at Massey High School. Lu...

Construction Lawyer’s Advice On How To Get Paid On Time | Finn Collins #82 (Reupload)

16 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWe are revisiting a classic episode to help secure your business and cash flow in these tough economic times. We welcome back Finn Colli...

NZ Architect Shortlisted for International Architecture Award | Chris Tate #81

09 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoin us this week on the Better Builder podcast as we sit down with Chris Tate, an Architectural Designer known for creating buildings o...

Figuring Out The Business Side Of Running A Building Company | Dan Hawke-Mills #80

02 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoin us this week on the Better Builder podcast with Dan Hawke-Mills, Co-Director of Downright Construction. Dan offers a transparent lo...

The Cost Of Biting More Than You Can Chew | Joel Macreadie #79

26 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoin us this week on the Better Builder podcast with Joel Macreadie, Director of Macreadie Builders. Joel talks about the shock of his t...

Commercial Builder Dabbles In Residential & Gets Burnt | Hamish Donnithorne #78

19 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Hamish gets brutally honest about the one mistake that almost broke his business: a massive fixed-price blunder on residential renovat...

How To Nail Your Building Apprenticeship | Jason Goertzen BBA #11

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis month, we're joined by Jason Goertzen, a workplace apprenticeship educator at the Builders Academy. Join us as we dive into th...

How To Make Profit Without Stress | David Stark #77

12 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoin us this week on the Better Builder podcast with David Stark, Founder of Stark Building. David, an award-winning builder, shares the...

A Builder’s Battle Against The Big Bureaucracy | Warren Adolph #76

05 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoin us this week on the Better Builder podcast with Warren Adolph, Founder of Warren Adolph Homes. With over 30 years in the industry, ...

The Untold Truth of Growing Too Fast | Marlon Cosmas #75

28 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoin us this week on the Better Builder podcast as we sit down with Marlon Cosmas, a co-director of Reside. With decades of experience i...

The Seismic Shift From Chippy to Building Business Owner | Jono Duxfield #74

21 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoin us this week on the Better Builder podcast as we sit down with Jono Duxfield, owner of JD Construction. Jono shares his story of le...

How One Viral Video Changed A Tradies Life | Logan Dodds #73

14 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoin us this week on the Better Builder podcast as we sit down with Logan. In a raw and honest conversation, he shares how a tough time ...

Apprenticeships Are Earned Not Owed | Thomas Karanikolaou BBA #10

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textOn this month’s episode, we sit down with Thomas from Builders Blueprint.Thomas shares the culture he fosters with his apprentices and...

From Pro Footy Injury To Building A New Future | Matt Grieve #72

07 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textCatch this week's episode of the Better Builder podcast with Matt Grieve, Director of Frameology. Matt shares his story of leaving ...

Running A Business Is Like Getting Punched In The Face | Caleb Adams #71

31 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoin us this week on the Better Builder podcast as we sit down with Caleb Adams from Pilgrim Luxury Homes. In an honest conversation, Ca...

The Battles Of Building & Business | Justin Horler #70

24 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoin us this week on the Better Builder podcast as we sit down with Justin Horler from JBH Builders. In an honest conversation, he share...

Losing It All With 2 Young Kids And How He Got It All Back | Todd Miller #69

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoin us this week on the Better Builder podcast as we sit down with Todd Miller from Ziegler Build. In a raw and honest conversation, To...

Understanding The Modern Building Apprentice | Hunter Struve BBA #09

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we're joined by Hunter Struve, a Builders Academy apprentice who's giving us the real talk on his journey into the ...

Why I Left My Building Business To Travel Around Australia | Jarryd Duffy #68

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we're joined by Jarryd Duffy from Tide Constructions. With over 15 years of experience, Jarryd's passion for buildi...

Boomer vs. Millennial: Priorities, Profits & Perspectives | Corey Aiken #67

03 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we sit down with Corey Aiken from Beachside Builders, a father-and-son company blending tradition with innovation. Corey shar...

Brisbane Builder on Ambition, Fraud & Almost Losing It All | Charlie Mylne #66

27 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textCharlie Mylne, a qualified builder and carpenter with over 15 years of experience, leads a skilled team at Mylne Construction, known for...

The Hard Truth About Building in Brisbane and How To Stay in the Game | Seb Toscano #65

20 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn this week’s episode of the Better Builder Podcast, we welcome Seb Toscano from Toscano Construction for a revealing look at the bui...

Apprenticeship Educator: Avoiding Burnout & Keeping Apprentices Motivated | Paul Carter BBA #8

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWelcome back to a bonus episode of Better Builder Apprentice! This month, we're joined by Paul Carter, a workplace apprenticeship e...

The End of the All-Round Builder | Adam Harrison #64

13 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we sit down with Adam Harrison, a builder passionate about tackling challenging sites, finding immense satisfaction in overco...

Gold Coast Builder: How Labour Costs are Killing Builders | Don Cotterill #63

06 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we sit down with Don Cotterill, Director of Sanctuary 28, a Gold Coast-based builder known for providing a personal service a...

Golden Boy Builder: When Nepotism Goes Right | Troy Bannan #62

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we're joined by Troy Bannan from Bannan Construction, a company renowned for its specialized, high-end concrete work, in...

The Profit Trap: Avoiding Red Flags & Picking Winning Clients | Luke Jackison #61

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we chat with Luke Jackison, Founder & Director of Constrkt, a team fueled by a passion for perfection and a culture of ex...

Risked My Life Saving Buying A Fit-Out Business | Gary Saraf #60

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we sit down with Gary Saraf, diving into his personal journey and the pivotal decision to risk his life savings to buy a fit-...

Reupload - Power Of Choosing People Over Profit | Ollie Tuck #59

08 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we are revisiting an oldie but a goodie episode. Ollie Tuck from Oliver Tuck Construction shares his wisdom in this reupload ...

The Rollercoaster Of Architecture Construction | Ben Gommers #58

01 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we speak with Ben Gommers from Gommers Construction, a trusted service focused on quality and efficiency in all projects. Ben...

From Landscaping To A Multi-million Dollar Pool Empire | Bryn Williams #57

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we chat with Bryn Williams from Tiny Pools, a Mount Maunganui company transforming backyard pools. Founded by landscapers wit...

The State of Building Apprentices: Understanding Zoomers & Hiring Women | Tony Buchanan BBA #7

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWelcome back to a bonus episode of Better Builder Apprentice! This month, we're joined by Tony Buchanan from Builders Academy. Join...

Tall Poppy To Million Dollar Business | Sam Newell #56

18 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we chat with Sam Newell, the founder of Build Interiors, a company where strong communication and creative solutions drive th...

 The Reality of Running a Building Business in Auckland | Mike Smith #55

11 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we're joined by Mike Smith from Wood Smith Building. Mike is a qualified Master Builder with over 20 years of experience...

50 Years in Construction: Dealing with Stress & Managing Cash | Ross Faulkner #54

04 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week's episode features Ross Faulkner from Faulkner Construction, a highly respected builder with a long history of delivering...

Reno Specialist: Charming Architects, Partnership Realities and Building Lean | Chris Sweeney #53

27 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, we chat with Chris Sweeney, co-owner of C&C Renovations and a seasoned Licensed Building Practitioner. Chris brings 12 ye...

Construction Veteran: Steps to building the right foundations for success | Ed Cooney #52

20 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWe welcome back Ed Cooney, the founder and director of Iron House, for another insightful conversation. With over three decades of exper...

Builder to Joiner: Changing Careers, Brand Building & Secrets to Hiring | Adam Beswick #51

13 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAdam Beswick co-founded Next Level Joinery in 2017 with a vision to create a modern timber joinery workshop committed to delivering exce...

Coastal Town Builder: Winning Mentality, Hiring Slow & Life Outside of Building | Matt Saathof #50

06 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textMatt Saathof leads Totara Construction, a family-owned Tauranga-based company inspired by the enduring strength and integrity of the Tot...

Building Apprentice: War Stories, Dating Apps & Making it as a Builder  | Caitlin Wilson BBA #06

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWelcome back to Better Builder Apprentice! In our sixth monthly bonus episode, we're joined by Caitlin, a powerhouse fourth-year ap...

The Block Builder: Losing Over $100k, Family Business Dynamics & Building Back Better | Mel Riley #49

30 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textMel Riley, alongside his brother Justin, founded DC Build, a residential construction company known for translating architectural vision...

Deloitte Fast 50 Builder: Sports Psychologist, Systems & Starting As A Pub Owner | Dave Bulling #48

23 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textDave Bulling leads Cook Brothers Construction, a national commercial construction powerhouse specialising in diverse and complex project...

Modular Builder: Winning More Business, Solving Transport Nightmares & Running Lean | Isaac Lindesay #47

16 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIaac Lindesay is the driving force behind Make Space Build, a company redefining modular construction in some of the most remote and cha...

Grand Designs Worth It? | Nick Smith #46

09 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textNick Smith founded Smith Construction, a leading Northland construction company specialising in exceptional architectural homes. They ar...

Betrayed By Blind Trust | Warwick Allen #45

02 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWarwick Allen is the director of Glass Vice, an innovative New Zealand-owned company specializing in Glass & Aluminium balustrades, ...

How to Stay in the Fight | Anthony Kane #44

23 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAnthony Kane is the director of Kane Build Group. With a family history in real estate, Anthony is driven by a passion for architectural...

Failing Your Way to Success | Andy Crompton #43

16 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAndy Crompton is the director of Abstract Floors, a company specialising in timer floor installation and renovation. After purchasing th...

The Hidden Costs of Prefab Homes | Oliver Starr #42

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textOliver Starr is one of the founders of Homewerk, a company specialising in creating bespoke architectural tiny homes that showcase excep...

Buy Back Your Time | John Creighton #41

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJohn Creighton owns and founded John Creighton Builders, a company specialising in high-quality residential construction, including new ...

Secrets to Building Generational Success | Len Bogatin #40

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textLen Bogatin is the founder of LBA Construction Group, Melbourne's foremost high-end builder. Len founded LBA with his business part...

The Christmas Awards Special | Better Builder Podcast #39

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAs we approach the end of 2024, it is time to look back on our favorite moments throughout the year. In this episode, we invited Henry D...

Get Paid to Quote | Matthew Menichelli #38

15 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textMatthew Menichelli is the founder of Elevate Building Group, a building company based in Diamon Valley, Melbourne and specialises in Cus...

The Melbourne Builder | Dale Cheesman #37

08 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textDale Cheesman is the founder of The Melbourne Builder. As a young and talented certified master builder, Dale Cheesman has been quietly ...

Marketing Your Construction Business | George Passas #36

01 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textGeorge Passas is the founder of Pascon. With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, George has been a pivotal figure ...

Life Beyond Building | Robbie Stratti #35

24 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textRobbie Stratti is the founder of Stratti Building, specialising in creating architectural custom homes, boutique commercial spaces, and ...

Holding Your Ground | Stephen Humphry #34

17 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textStephen Humphry is the owner of MODIFY, a building company specialises in home renovations and new builds in Sydney, Australia. Based on...

Building Success in Sydney | Marshal Keen #33

10 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textMarshal Keen is the founder of Built by MK. With over 20 years in the industry, Marshal is a skilled builder and carpenter with a great ...

When Building Gets Tough | Joe Sidoti #32

03 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoe Sidoti is the founder and director of SQ Projects, a building company specialising in boutique residential construction in Sydney, A...

Building is About People | Tony Fraser #31

27 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textTony Fraser founded House of Nautica in 1997, specialising in building outstanding masonry homes to suit the needs of their discerning c...

Leveraging a Spec Home | Nic Foster #30

20 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textNic Foster is the director of NF Construction. Nick started his building career working for a developer in Auckland for 10 years. After ...

Managing a Multi Trade Business | Ollie Mules #29

13 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textOllie Mules founded Blackbird Projects in 2014, which has since then grown steadily to be one of Auckland's leading residential con...

Life After Your Apprenticeship | Caleb Kennedy | Better Builder Apprentice #05

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWelcome to the fifth episode of our monthly bonus series: Better Builder Apprentice, where we invite builders, business owners, and appr...

Building a Rock Solid Business | Nic Patterson #28

06 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textNic Patterson is the director of BK Patterson Builders. A building company founded by his father Brent Patterson in 1989, focusing on hi...

The Timber Man | Daniel Gudsell #26

29 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textDaniel Gudsell is the Director of Abodo Wood, a New Zealand-based leading proponent of wood modification technology in the Southern Hemi...

Building a Construction Team | Todd Wickenden #26

22 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textTodd Wickenden founded Broswick Builders in 2009 after 10 years in the building industry in New Zealand, USA, and Canada. Broswick Build...

Development Build Specialist | Oliver Austen #25

15 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textOliver Austen is the founder of Austen Projects. With over 12 years of experience in construction and project management, he gives the c...

Apprentice Blueprint | Dane Simpson | Better Builder Apprentice #04

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWelcome to the fourth episode of our monthly bonus series: Better Builder Apprentice, where we invite builders, business owners, and app...

The Dark Side of Construction | Ben Lewis #24

08 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textBen Lewis is the founder of Lewis Build and has more than 20 years of experience in building. When he was young, Ben was inspired to bui...

What Architects Want | Jonathan Smith #23

01 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJonathan Smith is the director of Matter Architects, recognised for its work in architecture, urban planning, art, design and strategic ...

39 Property Deals as a Builder | Michael Wilson #22

25 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textMichael Wilson is the founder of Wilson Designer Homes, a company dedicated to designing and constructing new builds and state-of-the-ar...

Builders Risking it All | Finn Collins, Construction Barrister #21

18 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textFinn Collins is a barrister at Lambton Chambers, he practices in construction and property and provides advice and advocacy for contract...

Workplace Apprenticeship Educator | Blair Hendren #03 Better Builder Apprentice

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWelcome to the second episode of our monthly bonus series: Better Builder Apprentice, where we invite builders, business owners, and app...

Make Builders Great Again | Willie de Gruchy #20

11 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWillie de Gruchy established WG de Gruchy Construction in 2009 with an ambitious goal of becoming Auckland’s preeminent high-end build...

Life Beyond Your Comfort Zone | Jesse Green #19

04 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJesse Greene has an extensive history in the boat building & construction industry, winning multiple awards including Craftsman of t...

Life of a Builder | Anthony Reweti #18

28 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAnthony Reweti has been building since he was 17. After leading a team in his previous company for 9 years which won him two supreme awa...

Work Hard Play Hard | Mitch Fleming #17

21 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textMitch Fleming has years of experience in residential building and is a skilled insitu concrete specialist. After learning from many expe...

Brain Injury From Onsite Incident | Marcus Copson #02 Better Builder Apprentice

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWelcome to the second episode of our monthly bonus series: Better Builder Apprentice, where we invite builders, business owners, and app...

Hiring and Firing for Success | Scott Thrupp #16

14 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textScott Thrupp is a third-generation builder, tertiary qualified in Construction Management and has over 20 years of experience in the ind...

People Over Profit | Ollie Tuck #15

07 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textOllie Tuck entered the building industry as a labourer when he was 17 years old, where he discovered his love for the work and soon prog...

Slow and Steady Wins the Race | Matt Farrell #14

30 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textMatt Farrell has over 20 years of experience in the building industry in both New Zealand and London. He is the founder of Intact Constr...

Flirting with Failure | Troy Jury #13

23 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textTroy Jury has been in the trade business since he was 15. Working from the bottom of the food chain, Troy found himself learning from ma...

Modern Building Apprentices | Chris Barnett #01 Better Builder Apprentice

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWelcome to the first episode of this brand-new bonus series, where we invite builders, business owners, and apprentices to chat about al...

Innovate or Die | Shaun Higgins #12

16 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textShaun Higgins has been a building since he was 15 years old. After working in Europe for a few years and trading ideas with builders the...

The Concrete King | Ross Bannan #11

09 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textRoss Bannon is a pioneer of the concrete industry in New Zealand, being one of the first in the country to develop their own concrete sy...

Building a Construction Giant | Jeff Vivian #10

02 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJeff Vivian and his two brothers founded Vivian Construction, which deals with commercial, fit-out, and high-end residential constructio...

Rethinking Success | Matt Nicholls #09

26 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textMatt Nicholls founded RYSE Construction, a company focusing on new home builds, residential renovations and extensions, architectural se...

Building the Next Generation | Lee Cheyne #08

19 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textLee Cheyne is the co-founder of Cheyne Construction, which specialises in luxury residential, light commercial, heritage and bespoke pro...

Building a Sustainable Business | James Clarke #07

12 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJames Clarke is the founder of JMC Build. With over 10 years of experience in new home builds, home renovations, bathroom and kitchen fi...

Property Development for Dummies | Ben Visser #06

05 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textBen Visser is the director of Seed Property, a property company that aims to help Kiwis move into quality and affordable housing. Combin...

Old School VS Modern Builder | Sam Hayes #05

28 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textSam Hayes is the founder of Hayes Builders, an award-winning company renowned for its expertise in high-end residential construction in ...

Life of a Female Builder | Bex Welker #04

21 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textBex Welker, also known as Bex the Builder, began her journey in construction in 2019 with a building apprenticeship. After four years wi...

Are Builders Recession Ready? | Ed Cooney #03

14 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textGet ready for a chat with Ed Cooney, founder and director of Luxor Homes. Luxor Homes is renowned in Auckland for crafting high-end arch...

Grow Slow or Go Broke | Henry Dunham #02

07 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textHenry Dunham is the founder and director of Henry Dunham Building, a renowned construction firm in Auckland since 2007. Collaborating wi...

Why Isolation is Breaking Builders | Nathan Reynolds #01

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textNathan Reynolds serves as Director and co-owner of Fortified Construction alongside his business partner Julian Leighton. With over a de...