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 partner breakups to leading a values-driven family team. They unpack the systems, culture, and mindset that make up “The Astley Way,” and why professionalism, respect, and continual learning matter just as much as technical skill. Whether you're stepping off the...
Jun 30, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 3
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 Waterson from Unconventional Organisation knows this first hand. Diagnosed with ADHD while completing her PhD, she’s since helped business owners across the world turn that chaos into clarity with tools that actually work for neurodiverse brains. In this episode, you’ll learn h...
Jun 16, 2025•32 min•Season 6Ep. 2
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, Conversion, and Conversation. From setting up ads on Meta and Google to building landing pages that actually convert, Brandon shares practical tips for tradies who want real results without wasting cash. They also chat about CRMs, AI tools, and why you don’t need a big agenc...
Jun 02, 2025•34 min•Season 6Ep. 1
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.
Mar 24, 2025•18 min•Season 5Ep. 73
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.
Mar 10, 2025•21 min•Season 5Ep. 72
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 business while staying true to his craft. He also shares how support from the TIB community helped him tackle cash flow issues and why keeping his passion for skateboarding alive has been key to his work-life balance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...
Feb 24, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 71
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 in hospitality and wilderness guiding across 8 countries, Dani brings a fresh take on communication and leadership as she explains why we often avoid difficult conversations and shares her “Pace Pace Lead” framework to handle them better. Dani also talks about ...
Feb 10, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 70
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.
Jan 27, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 69
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 and support to blue collar workers around the country. With more than $700,000 of free counselling services rolled out to over 4,000 tradies through their not-for-profit, TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter), these lads are taking massive action when it come...
Jan 13, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 68
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 tradies, after deciding he wanted the freedom, flexibility and financial rewards of being self employed. Ben has done things different to many though and he shares his secrets to being profitable and balanced just 3 months after kicking off his new venture! See...
Jan 06, 2025•46 min•Season 5Ep. 67
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 Drawing Board members about how she's managed to 'feel the fear and do it anyway', influence her husband to make positive change, overcome her self-doubt, harness her strengths, embrace the title of Business Manager and more. Amii also gives some insight into the...
Dec 16, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 66
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, Allan Dib reckons the best marketing plan fits on a page. We think that's a good way to keep it simple and get it done. See if you agree! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 09, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 65
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/listener for privacy information.
Dec 02, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 64
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 leaves you further behind. Whether it’s team morale, client relationships, or your own wellbeing, they explore how doing nothing can lead to bigger challenges. If you’re feeling the pressure or just ready to stop stalling, this is a nudge to take action and se...
Nov 25, 2024•19 min•Season 5Ep. 63
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 breaks down the process, addressing common concerns like the initial learning curve, wages, and legalities, and provides clarity on the evolving financial incentives. Jeff’s advice makes it easy to see how apprenticeships could benefit your trade business. See o...
Nov 18, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 62
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 loan requirements can be tough for people with variable incomes and explains how Rate Money’s tailoured lending solutions, like low doc loans, are designed to meet the unique needs of self-employed borrowers. Get practical tips on building good credit, using famil...
Nov 11, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 61
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 rush. Discover the importance of staying connected with clients through emails and social media while others may go quiet. Plus, learn simple strategies to keep you top-of-mind, especially in industries that keep rolling during the holidays. See omnystudio.c...
Nov 04, 2024•15 min•Season 5Ep. 60
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 avoid common pitfalls, like cash flow gaps that hit hard in the new year. From handling last-minute jobs to creating a cash flow forecast that actually works, there are valuable strategies to keep your business—and your sanity—on track through the season. See...
Oct 28, 2024•19 min•Season 5Ep. 59
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. He talks about how clear, written contracts can save you from headaches down the line—whether it's dealing with non-paying clients or unfinished jobs. Alex encourages business owners to be proactive about legal protections—after all, it’s easier to prevent probl...
Oct 21, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 58
How do you balance growing a trade business with family life and long-term goals? Rhys and Renee from Functional Air Conditioning QLD share their story of building a successful business while juggling the demands of parenting and personal aspirations. They talk about the importance of getting the right advice early, avoiding bad habits, and how hiring additional support transformed their work-life balance. Plus, they reveal the hard lessons they’ve learned along the way, and the surprising ways ...
Oct 14, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 57
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 usually lies in shaky systems and lack of preparation. They also share why it's important to set clear boundaries, stay aligned with personal goals, and avoid taking on too much too soon. You can also book a free chat with Waz & Nic to know how to grow your...
Oct 07, 2024•17 min•Season 5Ep. 56
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 less stress. From sales and operations to managing clients, they are sharing practical tips for streamlining your business without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re looking to tweak small tasks or revamp your entire workflow, they’ll guide you through making ...
Sep 30, 2024•15 min•Season 5Ep. 55
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 communication, leadership, and the importance of soft skills in today's workplace. Leah shares her insights on courageous communication, owning up to mistakes, and the impact of genuine apologies. She emphasises self-awareness and emotional regulation, esp...
Sep 23, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 54
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 clear up the difference between profit and cash flow, share practical tips on managing your time, and discuss the common feeling of being on your own with business challenges. --- Connect with Tradies in Business! In addition to listening to our podcast, you ca...
Sep 16, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 53
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 diesel contractor to award-winning business owner, offering practical tips on crafting standout award submissions. They explore how entering awards can boost confidence, align goals, and celebrate small wins. Ben also emphasizes the importance of letting your person...
Sep 10, 2024•25 min•Season 5Ep. 52
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 through the essentials of will preparation, the importance of updating your will after major life events, and the key legalities tradies need to include in their quotes. Join Waz and Nic as they discuss simple yet powerful steps to safeguard your business and ensure ...
Sep 09, 2024•34 min•Season 5Ep. 51
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 importance of venting emotions, and the balance between caring for others and financial sustainability. They also explore how choosing a positive outlook as a parent can impact family dynamics and child development. How do you think a positive mindset influenc...
Sep 02, 2024•31 min•Season 5Ep. 50
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 effective than an all-or-nothing approach. They also touch on the significance of authenticity and vulnerability, particularly in the age of social media, and how these qualities can lead to genuine connection and personal growth. From managing time better t...
Aug 26, 2024•51 min•Season 5Ep. 49
Feeling the weight of the tradie life? August is National Tradie Health Month so we’re cutting through the noise and getting real about the challenges tradies face. Waz & Nic talk about the daily stress, isolation, and overwhelming workload that many tradies endure—because simply knowing there’s a problem isn’t enough.. We need practical solutions, and that means focusing on more than just the physical. Emotional and mental well-being are just as important, and finding a supportive community...
Aug 19, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 48
Ever tried taking a holiday only to have work crises follow you? Many trade business owners experience this. From the struggles of phones that never stop ringing to team mishaps when the boss is away, the list could go on and on.. You might also believe that only you can manage your trade business, but empowering your team can lead to amazing results. Time off starts with trust and structured systems & procedures. --- Connect with Tradies in Business! In addition to listening to our podcast,...
Aug 12, 2024•24 min•Season 5Ep. 47
