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Behind the Tools

Behind the Tools

By Tradify

Behind the Tools podcast is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to join us as a guest, send an email to behindthetools@tradifyhq.com

Brought to you by Tradify — the job management app trusted by 30,000+ tradespeople.
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Currently playing episode

#025 - Company Culture With Miles, Ben & Aaron Astley (Astley Electrical)

Behind the ToolsOct 27, 2021

00:00
34:33
#59 - Running a Business With Your Significant Other With Alex Van Dam (Queens Workwear)
Oct 30, 202224:13
#58 - Taking a Stand Against Mental Health Stigma With With Rob Muldoon (MYH Podcast)

#58 - Taking a Stand Against Mental Health Stigma With With Rob Muldoon (MYH Podcast)

Mental health is an ongoing issue in the trades industry. With the stigma and closed-off attitude toward finding help, it can be hard to give a hand to those who need it or even to find personal support. 

For Mental Health Awareness week, Rob talks us through his own struggles with mental health and offers advice to anyone who wants to fight against mental illness and the stigma surrounding it.  


If you or someone you know is in need of help, contact a helpline:  

UK (Samaritans) - 116 123 

AU (Lifeline) - 13 11 14 

NZ (Lifeline) - 0800 543 354  


The Lighthouse Club, who runs the UK construction industry helpline, can be contacted on:   

Phone: 0345 605 1956 

SMS: Text HARDHAT to 85258 

Or, visit: lighthouseclub.org  

They are there 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  


Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.  If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to behindthetools@tradifyhq.com.

Oct 03, 202233:01
#57 - How To Reduce Your Insurance Premiums With Jennifer Steger (Trade Risk)
Sep 18, 202223:54
#56 - How To Build Your Own Tiny House With Sophie Jack (@Sophie_TheBuilder)
Sep 11, 202227:25
#055 - Overcoming the Trade Labour Shortage With Kent Willis (Apprentice Recruit)
Sep 04, 202237:17
#054 - How To Revive a Struggling Business With Andy & Angela (Lifestyle Tradie)
Aug 21, 202235:08
#053 - Preparing for Price Changes & Alternatives to Apprenticeships With Jack Cutler (JRC Electrical)
Aug 13, 202230:46
#052 - Training Your Body for Your Trade With Zac Lowth (Australian Physiotherapy Association)
Aug 07, 202223:10
#051 - The Future of On-Site Parts Delivery With Harry Tyndall (Snap It)
Jul 10, 202225:29
#050 - Building Culture in a Trade Business With Anne Timpany (White Star Property Services)
Jul 03, 202230:52
#049 - Encouraging Individuality With Willow Rolton (Build With Willow)
Jun 26, 202226:27
#048 - Boosting Profitability With Andrew Burrows (The Trades Coach)
Jun 14, 202232:32
#047 - Making Connections With Devina & Josh (DryGutts)
May 22, 202243:34
#046 - Harnessing the Power of Social Media With Alex Insley (Unilite)
May 16, 202237:53
#045 - All Things Van Wrapping With Matt Adams (Tradie Wraps by MotoSign)
May 08, 202231:26
#044 - Recognising Red Flags in Enquiries With Jarrad Sharp (Sharp Air Conditioning)

#044 - Recognising Red Flags in Enquiries With Jarrad Sharp (Sharp Air Conditioning)

This week on the Behind the Tools podcast, we welcome Jarrad Sharp to the show. Jarrad is the owner/operator of Sharp Air Conditioning, a successful commercial and residential AC business in Perth, Australia. Join Jarrad and our host Michael as they talk about the best way to build a reputation, red flags to look out for in customers, and how to maximise business efficiency. 

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to behindthetools@tradifyhq.com.

Apr 30, 202230:28
#043 - Apprentice Advice with Kelvin Townsend (KTec Electrical)

#043 - Apprentice Advice with Kelvin Townsend (KTec Electrical)

This week on the Behind the Tools podcast, we welcome Kelvin Townsend to the show. Kelvin is the owner/operator of K-Tec Electrics, a successful electrical business in South Devon, England. Join Kelvin and our host Michael as they talk about taking on apprentices, the importance of taking pride in your work & making connections for commercial work!

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to behindthetools@tradifyhq.com.

Apr 23, 202226:42
#042 - Taking Accounting Digital With Sue de Bievre (Beany Accounting)

#042 - Taking Accounting Digital With Sue de Bievre (Beany Accounting)

This week on the Behind the Tools podcast, we welcome Sue de Bievre to the show. Sue is the founder of Beany Accounting, a team of online accountants. Join Sue and our host Michael as they talk about optimistic tax claims, incremental improvements, and setting up the right systems for success!

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to behindthetools@tradifyhq.com.

Apr 16, 202225:58
#041 - Finding Success as a Late Starter With Graham Meadowcroft (Dreamy Electrics)

#041 - Finding Success as a Late Starter With Graham Meadowcroft (Dreamy Electrics)

This week on the Behind the Tools podcast, we welcome Graham Meadowcroft to the show. Graham is the owner/operator of Dreamy Electrics, a successful electrical business in Helensburgh, Scotland. Join Graham and our host Michael as they talk about taking on the trades later in life, winning work through diversity, and the future of the electrical industry!

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to behindthetools@tradifyhq.com.

Apr 10, 202227:53
#040 - Embracing the Unknown With Ben Greenwood (Ready Set Paint)

#040 - Embracing the Unknown With Ben Greenwood (Ready Set Paint)

This week on the Behind the Tools podcast, we welcome Ben Greenwood to the show. Ben is the owner/operator of Ready Set Paint, a successful painting business in Adelaide, Australia. Join Ben and our host Michael as they talk about scoring new jobs, staying ahead of the game, and embracing the unknown!

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to behindthetools@tradifyhq.com.

Apr 02, 202226:51
#039 - Going for It With Lisa Sheppard

#039 - Going for It With Lisa Sheppard

On our final episode celebrating Women in Trades Month 2022, we welcome Lisa Sheppard to the show. After working as a dental nurse in Wales, UK, Lisa decided to switch things up and become a gas engineer. Join Lisa and our host Michael as they talk about what makes the trades so enjoyable and why it’s never too late to make a change!

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to behindthetools@tradifyhq.com.

Mar 26, 202227:41
#038 - Exceeding Expectations With Sophie Maguire

#038 - Exceeding Expectations With Sophie Maguire

On our third episode celebrating Women in Trades Month, we welcome Sophie Maguire to the show. Sophie is currently completing her plumbing apprenticeship in Norfolk, United Kingdom. Join Sophie and our host Michael as they talk about standing up to outdated ideas, exceeding expectations, and encouraging the younger generation to pick up the tools!

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to behindthetools@tradifyhq.com.

Mar 19, 202227:47
#037 - Choosing the Trades After School With Pauline Varlet

#037 - Choosing the Trades After School With Pauline Varlet

On our second episode celebrating Women in Trades Month, we welcome Pauline Varlet to the show. Pauline is an electrician and social media sensation based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Join Pauline and our host Michael as they talk about women in trades, scoring sponsorships, and having the courage to make a change!

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to behindthetools@tradifyhq.com.

Mar 12, 202227:06
#036 - Building a Community With Verity Hare (TradieWives)

#036 - Building a Community With Verity Hare (TradieWives)

To kick off Women in Trades Month, we welcome Verity Hare to the show. Verity is the founder of TradieWives, a collaboration platform that supports wives and partners of tradies. She’s also the co-founder/director of a landscaping business in Sydney, Australia, along with her husband, Craig. Join Verity and our host Michael as they talk about women in trades, overcoming obstacles, and why the trade community is so amazing.

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to behindthetools@tradifyhq.com.

Mar 05, 202230:43
#035 - How Tradespeople are Tackling 2022 With Matt Jones (The Site Shed)

#035 - How Tradespeople are Tackling 2022 With Matt Jones (The Site Shed)

This Week, Michael sits down with Matt Jones on the Site Shed Podcast to discuss Tradify's latest Pulse report — an annual report we create based on the thoughts and opinions of hundreds of tradespeople around the world. The Site Shed podcast is dedicated to tradespeople, exploring everything from technology in the workspace, right through to apprenticeships and current affairs.  

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to behindthetools@tradifyhq.com.

Feb 27, 202247:21
#034 - Winning with Word of Mouth with Andrew Lewis (2 Ezy Tiling)

#034 - Winning with Word of Mouth with Andrew Lewis (2 Ezy Tiling)

This week on Behind the Tools, we welcome Andrew Lewis to the show. Andrew is the owner/operator of 2 Ezy Tiling, a tiling business based in Victoria, Australia. Join Andrew and our host Michael as they talk about tiling trends, word of mouth, and taking pride in a job well done.

Behind the Tools is an inside look at tradespeople from all over the world. Each episode we bring on a guest to answer the real questions you have about life in the trades, running a business, and how to overcome the challenges that come with being a tradesperson.

If you're keen to be a guest, send an email to behindthetools@tradifyhq.com.

Feb 20, 202235:05
#033 - Inspiring the Next Generation of Tradies with Jesse & Logan (Trade Collective)
Feb 13, 202246:28
#032 - Best Bits 2021
Dec 14, 202114:12
#031 - Cranky Customers With Joshua Bice (Rapid Fire Protection)
Dec 09, 202130:46
#030 - Pricing Jobs With John Szabo (JS Plastering)
Dec 02, 202139:60
#029 - Training Tradies With Hayden Wright (Tile Warehouse Nelson)
Nov 24, 202135:03
#028 - Starting From Scratch With Jarrad Burns (Grove Plumbing & Gas)
Nov 17, 202131:52
#027 - Mastering Marketing With Anne Timpany (On Tap Plumbers)
Nov 09, 202138:35
#026 - Advertising With Keith Rees-Murray (KRP Electrical)
Nov 03, 202134:07
#025 - Company Culture With Miles, Ben & Aaron Astley (Astley Electrical)
Oct 27, 202134:33
#024 - Honesty & Apprenticeships With Mike Humphries (Green Hawk Construction)
Oct 19, 202141:50
#023 - Growing Local With Sean Brown (Brown & Brown Builders)
Oct 12, 202133:36
#022 - Building & Growing Your Business With Jon Mailer (PROTRADE United)
Oct 06, 202135:20
#021 - Workplace Wellness With Slade McFarland (Mates in Construction)
Sep 27, 202144:38
#020 - Creating Business Connections With Chris Collins (Grizlec)
Sep 21, 202126:36
#019 - Changing Careers With John Taylor (K9 Weed Detection)
Sep 13, 202133:29
#018 - Mental Health Support With Ed Ross (TradeMutt)
Sep 07, 202130:40
#017 - Tackling Tough Times With John McGrath (Man In Shed)
Aug 31, 202129:06
#016 - Financial Priorities With Alison Warner (Evolve and Grow Coaching)
Aug 24, 202141:54
#015 - Starting an HVAC Business With Tara Mcilvenie (Connect Air & Refrigeration)
Aug 17, 202130:57
#014 - Trade Students & Apprentices With Rachel Griffiths (@plumbingbyrach)
Aug 10, 202135:05
#013 - Subcontracting & Hiring With Brad & Shane Rawson (Morphett Air)
Aug 03, 202147:07
#012 - Apprentices & Mental Health With Peter Booth (PB Plumber)
Jul 27, 202142:00
#011 - Starting a Business With Amy Barratt-Singh (Amy the Sparky)

#011 - Starting a Business With Amy Barratt-Singh (Amy the Sparky)

This week on Behind the Tools, we welcome Amy Barratt-Singh to the show. Amy runs her own electrical business ‘Amy the Sparky’ and podcast, Women in Trades, from her home in Packington, Leicestershire. 

Join Amy and our host Michael as they talk about starting a trade at 28, making money, and sexist sceptics.

If you're keen to be a guest on Behind the Tools, send an email to behindthetools@tradifyhq.com.

Jul 19, 202135:59
#010 - Recruitment & Culture With Ryan Englin (Blue Collar Culture)
Jul 14, 202131:50