Built. Trusted. Chosen. Mon, 18 May 2026 23:06:38 -0400 https://builttrustedchosen.buzzsprout.com en-au © 2026 Uplift 360 yes 71216223-899a-546f-b435-012d28bb9f3f Wes Towers episodic true Featuring proven leaders and marketers in trades and construction


Real, unscripted, unedited and raw lessons from trades and construction founders, leaders and marketers. We dig into growth, scaling, hiring, margins, and how to be built, trusted and chosen. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Wes Towers https://storage.buzzsprout.com/wsz2xcni0z9cbp31ly2kgcz7aurs?.jpg Built. Trusted. Chosen. Why “Energy Efficient” Homes Still Make People Sick (and How to Fix It) | Craig Leonard Why “Energy Efficient” Homes Still Make People Sick (and How to Fix It) | Craig Leonard Most homes pass inspection. Very few are built for health.

In this episode of Built. Trusted. Chosen., I sit down with Craig Leonard, a third-generation builder who completely rethought his approach to construction after mould contamination in his own home made his family seriously ill. What he discovered will challenge how you think about energy efficiency, ventilation and modern building standards.

Craig explains why tightly sealed homes, constant temperature control and poorly managed moisture are creating internal ecosystems that support mould growth. We unpack HVAC placement, condensation risks, window failures, shower waterproofing mistakes and what it really costs to build a home that protects the people living inside it.

You’ll take away:

  • Why modern “energy efficient” homes can trap moisture and create mould risk
  • How HVAC systems in unconditioned attics become mould distribution networks
  • Why mould can grow at 55% relative humidity even when it doesn’t feel humid
  • Practical retrofit strategies like conditioned attics and duct review
  • Why healthy construction typically adds just 3–5% to build cost
  • How positioning around health creates a powerful niche in construction

About Craig Leonard

Craig Leonard is the owner of Leonard Crafted Homes, a Texas-based luxury custom home builder specialising in high-performance, health-focused residential construction. After losing his own home to mould contamination, Craig became a building biologist and now integrates advanced ventilation, moisture management and conditioning systems into every home he builds.

Learn more: https://leonardcraftedhomes.com

About Wes Towers

Wes Towers is the host of Built. Trusted. Chosen. and founder of Uplift 360. He helps trades and construction companies be built, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.

Learn more: https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here:

https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Most homes pass inspection. Very few are built for health.

In this episode of Built. Trusted. Chosen., I sit down with Craig Leonard, a third-generation builder who completely rethought his approach to construction after mould contamination in his own home made his family seriously ill. What he discovered will challenge how you think about energy efficiency, ventilation and modern building standards.

Craig explains why tightly sealed homes, constant temperature control and poorly managed moisture are creating internal ecosystems that support mould growth. We unpack HVAC placement, condensation risks, window failures, shower waterproofing mistakes and what it really costs to build a home that protects the people living inside it.

You’ll take away:

  • Why modern “energy efficient” homes can trap moisture and create mould risk
  • How HVAC systems in unconditioned attics become mould distribution networks
  • Why mould can grow at 55% relative humidity even when it doesn’t feel humid
  • Practical retrofit strategies like conditioned attics and duct review
  • Why healthy construction typically adds just 3–5% to build cost
  • How positioning around health creates a powerful niche in construction

About Craig Leonard

Craig Leonard is the owner of Leonard Crafted Homes, a Texas-based luxury custom home builder specialising in high-performance, health-focused residential construction. After losing his own home to mould contamination, Craig became a building biologist and now integrates advanced ventilation, moisture management and conditioning systems into every home he builds.

Learn more: https://leonardcraftedhomes.com

About Wes Towers

Wes Towers is the host of Built. Trusted. Chosen. and founder of Uplift 360. He helps trades and construction companies be built, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.

Learn more: https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here:

https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-19155355 Tue, 19 May 2026 11:00:00 +1000 2136 full false The Exit-Ready Blueprint for Trades & Construction | Anita Marshall The Exit-Ready Blueprint for Trades & Construction | Anita Marshall If you run a trades or construction business, it’s easy to wake up one day and realise the business cannot run, or sell, without you.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Anita Marshall from Gold Coast Business Brokers, and we unpack what actually makes a trades business attractive to buyers (and more resilient for you as the owner). Even if you never plan to sell, building with an exit in mind forces better foundations: cleaner financials, clearer systems, and a database you can actually hand over.

You’ll take away:

  • Why building an exit-ready business gives you options, even if you hand it to family
  • How cash jobs (“cashies”) can hurt valuation when revenue cannot be proven over 3–4 years
  • Simple systems you can document now (quoting, lead sources, workflows) to make handover easier
  • Why every enquiry belongs in a database, even the ones who did not proceed
  • How referral partner lists (agents, strata, etc.) become a real sale asset with a warm handover
  • Why less owner dependence typically leads to a higher multiple and a smoother sale

 Anita Marshall is a business broker with Gold Coast Business Brokers, helping owners prepare, position, and sell businesses with confidentiality and a clear process. She works with business owners across Queensland and supports the kind of practical “get it ready before you need it” approach we discuss in this episode.
Guest links:

 I’m Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360. I help trades and construction companies be built, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation. https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> If you run a trades or construction business, it’s easy to wake up one day and realise the business cannot run, or sell, without you.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Anita Marshall from Gold Coast Business Brokers, and we unpack what actually makes a trades business attractive to buyers (and more resilient for you as the owner). Even if you never plan to sell, building with an exit in mind forces better foundations: cleaner financials, clearer systems, and a database you can actually hand over.

You’ll take away:

  • Why building an exit-ready business gives you options, even if you hand it to family
  • How cash jobs (“cashies”) can hurt valuation when revenue cannot be proven over 3–4 years
  • Simple systems you can document now (quoting, lead sources, workflows) to make handover easier
  • Why every enquiry belongs in a database, even the ones who did not proceed
  • How referral partner lists (agents, strata, etc.) become a real sale asset with a warm handover
  • Why less owner dependence typically leads to a higher multiple and a smoother sale

 Anita Marshall is a business broker with Gold Coast Business Brokers, helping owners prepare, position, and sell businesses with confidentiality and a clear process. She works with business owners across Queensland and supports the kind of practical “get it ready before you need it” approach we discuss in this episode.
Guest links:

 I’m Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360. I help trades and construction companies be built, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation. https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18941962 Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:00 +1000 2287 full false The Demographic Forces Reshaping Trades and Construction in Australia | Simon Küstenmacher The Demographic Forces Reshaping Trades and Construction in Australia | Simon Küstenmacher Trades and construction businesses are getting hit from every angle: rising costs, hiring pressure, housing shortages and constant negative headlines. The danger is making short-term decisions based on panic instead of seeing the bigger forces shaping where demand, people and projects are actually heading.

In this episode, I sit down with Simon Küstenmacher to unpack the demographic and economic trends shaping the future of trades and construction in Australia. We get into why Australia’s core business model is still stronger than many people think, why population growth keeps demand alive, why the skills shortage is not going away anytime soon, and why regional areas face a very different hiring and housing challenge to the major cities.

You’ll take away:

  • Why Simon believes Australia’s underlying economic model is still resilient despite negative headlines 
  • How population growth acts like a rising tide for construction demand 
  • Why the skills shortage is demographic, structural and unlikely to disappear quickly 
  • What is broken in the current migration system and how it could be better aligned to real workforce needs 
  • Why regional areas struggle more to attract skilled workers than capital cities 
  • How migrant settlement patterns can influence where housing demand and construction pressure show up 

Guest bio:
 Simon Küstenmacher is Co-Founder & Director at The Demographics Group in Melbourne, Australia. He presents on demographic trends, consumer insights and social change, and works with business, government and industry groups across Australia.
 Website: https://www.tdgp.com.au/simon-kuestenmacher
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/simonkuestenmacher 

Host bio:
 I’m Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360 and host of Built. Trusted. Chosen. I help trades and construction companies be built, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.
https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Trades and construction businesses are getting hit from every angle: rising costs, hiring pressure, housing shortages and constant negative headlines. The danger is making short-term decisions based on panic instead of seeing the bigger forces shaping where demand, people and projects are actually heading.

In this episode, I sit down with Simon Küstenmacher to unpack the demographic and economic trends shaping the future of trades and construction in Australia. We get into why Australia’s core business model is still stronger than many people think, why population growth keeps demand alive, why the skills shortage is not going away anytime soon, and why regional areas face a very different hiring and housing challenge to the major cities.

You’ll take away:

  • Why Simon believes Australia’s underlying economic model is still resilient despite negative headlines 
  • How population growth acts like a rising tide for construction demand 
  • Why the skills shortage is demographic, structural and unlikely to disappear quickly 
  • What is broken in the current migration system and how it could be better aligned to real workforce needs 
  • Why regional areas struggle more to attract skilled workers than capital cities 
  • How migrant settlement patterns can influence where housing demand and construction pressure show up 

Guest bio:
 Simon Küstenmacher is Co-Founder & Director at The Demographics Group in Melbourne, Australia. He presents on demographic trends, consumer insights and social change, and works with business, government and industry groups across Australia.
 Website: https://www.tdgp.com.au/simon-kuestenmacher
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/simonkuestenmacher 

Host bio:
 I’m Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360 and host of Built. Trusted. Chosen. I help trades and construction companies be built, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.
https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18928610 Tue, 05 May 2026 11:00:00 +1000 2717 full false From Chaos to Order: Delegate Admin, Win More Work | Janine Fraser From Chaos to Order: Delegate Admin, Win More Work | Janine Fraser Most trades and construction businesses don’t struggle because the work isn’t good. They struggle because the day gets swallowed by calls, admin, quoting, follow-ups, and the never-ending “I’ll get to that later” list, and the business pays for it in missed opportunities, slow response times, and trust gaps.

In this episode, I sit down with Janine Fraser to unpack the real operational bottlenecks that hold contractors back and what it looks like to bring order to the chaos. We talk delegation (without feeling like you’re “giving away your baby”), onshore vs offshore support, the role of automation, and why customer communication is the quickest trust-builder in the trades.

You’ll take away:

  •  What to delegate first when you’re time-poor and wearing every hat
  • How to think about onshore vs offshore support based on task, urgency, and context
  • Why trust is built (or broken) in small moments like running late, follow-ups, and response speed
  • How job management platforms can automate quotes and texts, and why most tradies don’t finish the setup
  • Why paper-based workflows and double-handling quietly block growth and create errors
  • A practical supplier check that can lift margins without finding new work

Guest: Janine Fraser

Janine is the founder of Beyond Business Consultants, supporting business owners with managed calls, customer service, delegation, and system workflows. She also offers fractional executive assistant support, helping founders bring structure, follow-through, and calm to the operational side of the business.

https://beyondbusinessconsultants.com.au/

https://au.linkedin.com/in/janine-fraser-fractional-executive-assistant-growth-partner-ab6940104

Host: Wes Towers

I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation. That means turning your website into a genuine business asset, sharpening your messaging so the right clients say “yes”, and building consistent visibility across Google, reviews, social platforms, and everywhere people search before they pick up the phone. If you’re serious about growth, this show is about the real levers that move the needle: marketing, systems, leadership, and the small trust signals that win work.

https://uplift360.com.au

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Most trades and construction businesses don’t struggle because the work isn’t good. They struggle because the day gets swallowed by calls, admin, quoting, follow-ups, and the never-ending “I’ll get to that later” list, and the business pays for it in missed opportunities, slow response times, and trust gaps.

In this episode, I sit down with Janine Fraser to unpack the real operational bottlenecks that hold contractors back and what it looks like to bring order to the chaos. We talk delegation (without feeling like you’re “giving away your baby”), onshore vs offshore support, the role of automation, and why customer communication is the quickest trust-builder in the trades.

You’ll take away:

  •  What to delegate first when you’re time-poor and wearing every hat
  • How to think about onshore vs offshore support based on task, urgency, and context
  • Why trust is built (or broken) in small moments like running late, follow-ups, and response speed
  • How job management platforms can automate quotes and texts, and why most tradies don’t finish the setup
  • Why paper-based workflows and double-handling quietly block growth and create errors
  • A practical supplier check that can lift margins without finding new work

Guest: Janine Fraser

Janine is the founder of Beyond Business Consultants, supporting business owners with managed calls, customer service, delegation, and system workflows. She also offers fractional executive assistant support, helping founders bring structure, follow-through, and calm to the operational side of the business.

https://beyondbusinessconsultants.com.au/

https://au.linkedin.com/in/janine-fraser-fractional-executive-assistant-growth-partner-ab6940104

Host: Wes Towers

I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation. That means turning your website into a genuine business asset, sharpening your messaging so the right clients say “yes”, and building consistent visibility across Google, reviews, social platforms, and everywhere people search before they pick up the phone. If you’re serious about growth, this show is about the real levers that move the needle: marketing, systems, leadership, and the small trust signals that win work.

https://uplift360.com.au

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18709878 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +1000 2246 full false Hire Ops Before Sales, the Trade Business Move Most Owners Get Wrong | Peter Wesley Hire Ops Before Sales, the Trade Business Move Most Owners Get Wrong | Peter Wesley If you run a trade or construction business, you’ve probably felt it: plenty of work, plenty of effort, but cash is tight, the phone never stops, and the business only works when you do.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Peter Wesley to unpack what actually changes when a contractor moves from “muscle and hustle” into a business that runs with clarity, consistency, and breathing room. We’ll talk about the predictable growth ceilings Peter calls the “valleys of death”, the hires that matter most, and the simple operating rhythm that makes cashflow and delivery far easier to control.

You’ll take away:

  • Why contractors hit a predictable ceiling around $2–3m turnover, and what “systems” really means at that stage
  • The smarter hiring sequence: admin support first, then ops leadership (before sales)
  • Peter’s 3 C’s framework (Capacity, Clarity, Consistency) for stabilising cash and reducing stress
  • A practical cadence for control: Monday forward planning, Friday job review, plus daily key numbers
  • How culture directly impacts profit through rework, client trust, and team behaviour
  • Why “70% done” is a trap, and how to execute improvements sequentially to 100%

Guest bio
Peter Wesley is the founder of Better Back Office, helping trade and contracting businesses get control of their numbers with cleaner systems, stronger cashflow, and better reporting. He’s best known for practical, operator-first back office support across bookkeeping, payroll/BAS, and Simpro workflows so owners can scale without the chaos.

·       https://betterbackoffice.com.au/ 

·       https://www.peterwesley.me/ 

·       https://www.instagram.com/peterwesleytcos/ 

Host bio
I’m Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360 and host of Built. Trusted. Chosen. I help trades and construction companies be built, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation, so the right clients find you and choose you with confidence. https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> If you run a trade or construction business, you’ve probably felt it: plenty of work, plenty of effort, but cash is tight, the phone never stops, and the business only works when you do.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Peter Wesley to unpack what actually changes when a contractor moves from “muscle and hustle” into a business that runs with clarity, consistency, and breathing room. We’ll talk about the predictable growth ceilings Peter calls the “valleys of death”, the hires that matter most, and the simple operating rhythm that makes cashflow and delivery far easier to control.

You’ll take away:

  • Why contractors hit a predictable ceiling around $2–3m turnover, and what “systems” really means at that stage
  • The smarter hiring sequence: admin support first, then ops leadership (before sales)
  • Peter’s 3 C’s framework (Capacity, Clarity, Consistency) for stabilising cash and reducing stress
  • A practical cadence for control: Monday forward planning, Friday job review, plus daily key numbers
  • How culture directly impacts profit through rework, client trust, and team behaviour
  • Why “70% done” is a trap, and how to execute improvements sequentially to 100%

Guest bio
Peter Wesley is the founder of Better Back Office, helping trade and contracting businesses get control of their numbers with cleaner systems, stronger cashflow, and better reporting. He’s best known for practical, operator-first back office support across bookkeeping, payroll/BAS, and Simpro workflows so owners can scale without the chaos.

·       https://betterbackoffice.com.au/ 

·       https://www.peterwesley.me/ 

·       https://www.instagram.com/peterwesleytcos/ 

Host bio
I’m Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360 and host of Built. Trusted. Chosen. I help trades and construction companies be built, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation, so the right clients find you and choose you with confidence. https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Buzzsprout-18709838 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +1000 2251 full false How Builders and Trades Scale with Systems, People, and Purpose | Jay Meacham How Builders and Trades Scale with Systems, People, and Purpose | Jay Meacham Most trades and construction businesses don’t stall because the work is bad. They stall because leadership, cash flow, systems, and people start breaking under growth.

In this episode, I sit down with Jay Meacham to unpack what changes when a great operator becomes the owner and suddenly has to lead. We talk about the hidden “ceiling” most builders and trade businesses hit, why getting clear on your offer matters more than you think, and how to turn what’s in your head into systems your team can actually run. Jay also shares practical ways to tighten cash flow and recruit better talent without relying on hope and job boards.

You’ll take away:

  •  Why your personal life, leadership, and business performance often bleed into each other, and what to do about it
  • The doer-to-leader shift that catches most contractors off guard, and how to slow down without losing momentum
  • A simple way to get clearer on your offer: ask your best returning clients what makes them come back
  • How to systemise what’s trapped in your head into documented, repeatable processes your team can use
  • Why cash flow is a system, not a hope: invoicing, receivables follow-up, and payroll planning
  • How to find better people by reverse-engineering your A-players and building creative talent pipelines

Guest: Jay Meacham
Jay is a business, life, and leadership coach based in Kansas City, Missouri, known for working with residential builders and skilled trades. He helps owner-operators become confident leaders by getting clear on their offer, systemising operations, and building teams that fit the culture and perform.

Connect with Jay:
Website: https://coachjaymeacham.com/

Workbook: https://coachjaymeacham.com/s/Builders_Workbook_To_Time_Rich_Life.pdf

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-meacham-6a66668/

Host: Wes Towers
Wes is the founder of Uplift 360 and host of Built. Trusted. Chosen. He helps builders and trade businesses turn great workmanship into a business that scales by tightening the “unsexy” fundamentals: clear offers, simple systems, and trust-building marketing that converts. His focus is helping trades be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.

Uplift 360: https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Most trades and construction businesses don’t stall because the work is bad. They stall because leadership, cash flow, systems, and people start breaking under growth.

In this episode, I sit down with Jay Meacham to unpack what changes when a great operator becomes the owner and suddenly has to lead. We talk about the hidden “ceiling” most builders and trade businesses hit, why getting clear on your offer matters more than you think, and how to turn what’s in your head into systems your team can actually run. Jay also shares practical ways to tighten cash flow and recruit better talent without relying on hope and job boards.

You’ll take away:

  •  Why your personal life, leadership, and business performance often bleed into each other, and what to do about it
  • The doer-to-leader shift that catches most contractors off guard, and how to slow down without losing momentum
  • A simple way to get clearer on your offer: ask your best returning clients what makes them come back
  • How to systemise what’s trapped in your head into documented, repeatable processes your team can use
  • Why cash flow is a system, not a hope: invoicing, receivables follow-up, and payroll planning
  • How to find better people by reverse-engineering your A-players and building creative talent pipelines

Guest: Jay Meacham
Jay is a business, life, and leadership coach based in Kansas City, Missouri, known for working with residential builders and skilled trades. He helps owner-operators become confident leaders by getting clear on their offer, systemising operations, and building teams that fit the culture and perform.

Connect with Jay:
Website: https://coachjaymeacham.com/

Workbook: https://coachjaymeacham.com/s/Builders_Workbook_To_Time_Rich_Life.pdf

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-meacham-6a66668/

Host: Wes Towers
Wes is the founder of Uplift 360 and host of Built. Trusted. Chosen. He helps builders and trade businesses turn great workmanship into a business that scales by tightening the “unsexy” fundamentals: clear offers, simple systems, and trust-building marketing that converts. His focus is helping trades be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.

Uplift 360: https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18608557 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +1000 2142 full false The Hiring + Culture Playbook for Construction Teams That Stay | Roggen Frick The Hiring + Culture Playbook for Construction Teams That Stay | Roggen Frick Most trades and construction businesses don’t stall because of workmanship. They stall because the business gets bottlenecked by people, process, and the unsexy stuff like logistics.

In this episode, I sit down with Roggen Frick from Bear Iron Works to unpack what it really takes to build a company that scales: spotting a niche, learning fast in “round one”, rebuilding properly in “round two”, and creating a culture that keeps good people around. We also get into hiring for your gaps, how honesty builds trust inside a team, and why a four-day work week can be a genuine advantage in the trades.

You’ll take away

  • How to start scrappy, validate demand, and then rebuild properly for “round two”
  • Why shipping and logistics can kill sales, and how to treat it as a core capability
  • How to hire major players by filling your knowledge gaps (not hiring clones)
  • How honesty, transparency, and reward-based safety build real trust on a team
  • The three retention levers: time, benefits, and money (and why time often wins)
  • How building systems makes the business run, even when you’re not there

Guest: Roggen Frick

Roggen is the CEO of Bear Iron Works, a US-based manufacturer of construction equipment built to support excavation and construction crews. He’s grown the business by pairing practical systems with a people-first culture focused on honesty, trust, and safety.

Website: https://beariron.com

Host: Wes Towers

Wes helps trades and construction companies become the obvious choice online. As the founder of Uplift 360, he builds high-performing websites and runs Search Everywhere Optimisation so the right customers can find you, trust you, and choose you, without you having to rely on referrals alone.

Website: https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.?

Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Most trades and construction businesses don’t stall because of workmanship. They stall because the business gets bottlenecked by people, process, and the unsexy stuff like logistics.

In this episode, I sit down with Roggen Frick from Bear Iron Works to unpack what it really takes to build a company that scales: spotting a niche, learning fast in “round one”, rebuilding properly in “round two”, and creating a culture that keeps good people around. We also get into hiring for your gaps, how honesty builds trust inside a team, and why a four-day work week can be a genuine advantage in the trades.

You’ll take away

  • How to start scrappy, validate demand, and then rebuild properly for “round two”
  • Why shipping and logistics can kill sales, and how to treat it as a core capability
  • How to hire major players by filling your knowledge gaps (not hiring clones)
  • How honesty, transparency, and reward-based safety build real trust on a team
  • The three retention levers: time, benefits, and money (and why time often wins)
  • How building systems makes the business run, even when you’re not there

Guest: Roggen Frick

Roggen is the CEO of Bear Iron Works, a US-based manufacturer of construction equipment built to support excavation and construction crews. He’s grown the business by pairing practical systems with a people-first culture focused on honesty, trust, and safety.

Website: https://beariron.com

Host: Wes Towers

Wes helps trades and construction companies become the obvious choice online. As the founder of Uplift 360, he builds high-performing websites and runs Search Everywhere Optimisation so the right customers can find you, trust you, and choose you, without you having to rely on referrals alone.

Website: https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.?

Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18608238 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +1000 2055 full false The 30-90 Day Marketing Reset for Trades & Construction Companies | Laura Zahariou The 30-90 Day Marketing Reset for Trades & Construction Companies | Laura Zahariou Most trades and construction businesses don’t have a marketing problem, they have a clarity problem. When messaging is vague, everyone competes on price, margins shrink, and trust is harder to win.

In this episode, I sit down with Laura Zahariou to unpack what “senior marketing leadership” looks like without hiring a full-time Head of Marketing. We talk about getting clear on who you serve, what you solve, and how to align marketing with the rest of the business so your message actually lands (and sticks). If you’ve ever felt like marketing is just more noise, this one will help you simplify, focus, and build momentum the right way.

You’ll take away:

  • Why fractional marketing leadership can beat hiring an inhouse marketer (cost, speed, and less hand-holding)
  • How to stop competing on price and reposition around the value you deliver
  • A practical 30–90 day approach to auditing, clarifying, and building a workable plan
  • Why message alignment across sales and service builds trust fast
  • How to plan content in construction without locking yourself into a rigid 12-month calendar
  • Why consistency wins (even when you feel bored repeating the message)

Guest: Laura Zahariou
Laura Zahariou is the founder of Growth Lane Marketing, helping SMEs access outsourced/fractional marketing leadership that’s simple, strategic, and results-driven. She’s worked across construction and other B2B industries, bringing big-brand experience into practical plans for growing businesses.

Host: Wes Towers
I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.

https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Most trades and construction businesses don’t have a marketing problem, they have a clarity problem. When messaging is vague, everyone competes on price, margins shrink, and trust is harder to win.

In this episode, I sit down with Laura Zahariou to unpack what “senior marketing leadership” looks like without hiring a full-time Head of Marketing. We talk about getting clear on who you serve, what you solve, and how to align marketing with the rest of the business so your message actually lands (and sticks). If you’ve ever felt like marketing is just more noise, this one will help you simplify, focus, and build momentum the right way.

You’ll take away:

  • Why fractional marketing leadership can beat hiring an inhouse marketer (cost, speed, and less hand-holding)
  • How to stop competing on price and reposition around the value you deliver
  • A practical 30–90 day approach to auditing, clarifying, and building a workable plan
  • Why message alignment across sales and service builds trust fast
  • How to plan content in construction without locking yourself into a rigid 12-month calendar
  • Why consistency wins (even when you feel bored repeating the message)

Guest: Laura Zahariou
Laura Zahariou is the founder of Growth Lane Marketing, helping SMEs access outsourced/fractional marketing leadership that’s simple, strategic, and results-driven. She’s worked across construction and other B2B industries, bringing big-brand experience into practical plans for growing businesses.

Host: Wes Towers
I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.

https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Buzzsprout-18603203 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +1100 2332 full false How Trades & Construction Owners Stop Doing It All and Become the CEO | Chris Gilman How Trades & Construction Owners Stop Doing It All and Become the CEO | Chris Gilman In this episode of Built. Trusted. Chosen., I sit down with Chris Gilman to unpack the turning point that forced him to stop running his business “in his head” and start building a real company with people, systems, and accountability. We get practical about what to delegate first, how to hire (even if you’re not great at HR), why financial clarity matters more than most owners think, and how to use software and dashboards in a way that actually improves decisions and client experience.

You’ll take away:

  •  The first two hires that stop your business collapsing when you’re unavailable (and protect your family from the chaos)
  • How to identify the 80/20 of tasks to take off your plate so you can do actual CEO work
  • A hiring approach that reduces “gut feel” mistakes (and helps you find A-players faster)
  • Why “more sales” can still mean a weak business, and the simple rhythm for checking numbers
  • How to avoid paying for software you don’t use (and how to hold the team accountable to use it)
  • How profit sharing and “internal client” thinking improves quality, speed, and retention

Guest: Chris Gilman is the host of Hard Hat CEO, focused on helping trades and construction owners step out of the day-to-day and lead like a CEO.

https://hardhatceo.com

https://www.youtube.com/@hardhatceo


Host: Wes Towers

I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.

https://uplift360.com.au

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> In this episode of Built. Trusted. Chosen., I sit down with Chris Gilman to unpack the turning point that forced him to stop running his business “in his head” and start building a real company with people, systems, and accountability. We get practical about what to delegate first, how to hire (even if you’re not great at HR), why financial clarity matters more than most owners think, and how to use software and dashboards in a way that actually improves decisions and client experience.

You’ll take away:

  •  The first two hires that stop your business collapsing when you’re unavailable (and protect your family from the chaos)
  • How to identify the 80/20 of tasks to take off your plate so you can do actual CEO work
  • A hiring approach that reduces “gut feel” mistakes (and helps you find A-players faster)
  • Why “more sales” can still mean a weak business, and the simple rhythm for checking numbers
  • How to avoid paying for software you don’t use (and how to hold the team accountable to use it)
  • How profit sharing and “internal client” thinking improves quality, speed, and retention

Guest: Chris Gilman is the host of Hard Hat CEO, focused on helping trades and construction owners step out of the day-to-day and lead like a CEO.

https://hardhatceo.com

https://www.youtube.com/@hardhatceo


Host: Wes Towers

I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.

https://uplift360.com.au

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18603064 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +1100 2499 full false Charge for Value (Not Hours) to Win More Profitable Construction Clients | Brad Hebner Charge for Value (Not Hours) to Win More Profitable Construction Clients | Brad Hebner In this episode of Built. Trusted. Chosen., I sat down with Brad Hebner to unpack what actually gets trades and construction businesses chosen, even when they’re not the cheapest. We talked about breaking the hourly-rate mindset, why niching down makes growth easier (not harder), and how simple communication systems and automations can build real trust before you even arrive on site.

You’ll take away:

  •  How to price based on perceived value, not the hours it took you to do the work
  • A practical way to qualify leads on the first call so you stop wasting time on bad-fit estimates
  • Why niching simplifies your marketing, sales process, tools, and hiring
  • Why “busy” is not success, and the job-profit numbers you need to actually track
  • How communication and automated touchpoints build trust and make clients feel certain you will deliver
  • How “value stacking” (reviews, website, and content) helps you win before first contact

Guest: Brad Hebner
Brad has spent close to two decades in construction, ran his own construction company for around 12 years, and now coaches contractors to build more profitable, systemised businesses. He’s also the author of The Contractor Profit Blueprint.

https://thecontractorprofitblueprint.com

https://www.hammerandgrind.com/

Host: Wes Towers (Uplift 360)
Wes helps trades and construction companies win better clients with websites and messaging that build trust fast. Through high-performing web builds and Search Everywhere Optimisation, he helps the right people find you, understand your value, and choose you without shopping purely on price. Built. Trusted. Chosen. is where he sits down with operators, marketers, and industry leaders to share the practical plays that make growth simpler, more profitable, and less reliant on the owner.

https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here:

 https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> In this episode of Built. Trusted. Chosen., I sat down with Brad Hebner to unpack what actually gets trades and construction businesses chosen, even when they’re not the cheapest. We talked about breaking the hourly-rate mindset, why niching down makes growth easier (not harder), and how simple communication systems and automations can build real trust before you even arrive on site.

You’ll take away:

  •  How to price based on perceived value, not the hours it took you to do the work
  • A practical way to qualify leads on the first call so you stop wasting time on bad-fit estimates
  • Why niching simplifies your marketing, sales process, tools, and hiring
  • Why “busy” is not success, and the job-profit numbers you need to actually track
  • How communication and automated touchpoints build trust and make clients feel certain you will deliver
  • How “value stacking” (reviews, website, and content) helps you win before first contact

Guest: Brad Hebner
Brad has spent close to two decades in construction, ran his own construction company for around 12 years, and now coaches contractors to build more profitable, systemised businesses. He’s also the author of The Contractor Profit Blueprint.

https://thecontractorprofitblueprint.com

https://www.hammerandgrind.com/

Host: Wes Towers (Uplift 360)
Wes helps trades and construction companies win better clients with websites and messaging that build trust fast. Through high-performing web builds and Search Everywhere Optimisation, he helps the right people find you, understand your value, and choose you without shopping purely on price. Built. Trusted. Chosen. is where he sits down with operators, marketers, and industry leaders to share the practical plays that make growth simpler, more profitable, and less reliant on the owner.

https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here:

 https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18603039 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +1100 2199 full false The Pre-Feasibility Shortcut Builders Use to Build Trust Before the First Site Visit | Avi Kaufman The Pre-Feasibility Shortcut Builders Use to Build Trust Before the First Site Visit | Avi Kaufman Zoning, overlays, hazards, setbacks… for builders, the “can we even build here?” question can kill momentum before the job even starts.

In this episode of Built. Trusted. Chosen., I sat down with Avi Kaufman from FutureLot to unpack how builders in the USA are using pre-feasibility to get clear, property-specific answers fast, qualify leads earlier, and build trust before the first site visit. We also got into why AI still needs human oversight in the real world, and how interactive, lot-based website tools are changing lead generation for builders.

You’ll take away:

  •  Why pre-feasibility is the sweet spot for fast decisions before full feasibility costs
  • How zoning complexity really stacks up across municipal, state, and hazard layers
  • Why “AI + human in the loop” (plus QA and golden sets) matters for accuracy

  • A simple trust play: surface constraints and likely extra costs right at the first call
  • A practical way to frame what’s allowed: by-right vs permits vs variance territory
  • Why lot-specific website tools beat generic lead magnets for builder marketing

Guest: Avi Kaufman
Avi is the Co-Founder and Chief Real Estate Officer at FutureLot, helping builders and homeowners quickly understand what can legally be built on a property, starting with ADUs. He focuses on turning zoning complexity into clear, usable answers that speed up feasibility and improve client trust.

https://www.futurelot.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/avinkaufman

Host: Wes Towers (Uplift 360)
Wes helps construction and trade businesses win better work with websites that do more than look good. He builds high-performing sites, sharpens messaging, and uses Search Everywhere Optimisation to lift visibility across Google and AI-driven search, turning more enquiries into confident “yes” decisions. Built. Trusted. Chosen. is where he sits down with builders, operators, and marketers to share practical plays that build trust early and remove friction from the sales process.

https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.?
Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Zoning, overlays, hazards, setbacks… for builders, the “can we even build here?” question can kill momentum before the job even starts.

In this episode of Built. Trusted. Chosen., I sat down with Avi Kaufman from FutureLot to unpack how builders in the USA are using pre-feasibility to get clear, property-specific answers fast, qualify leads earlier, and build trust before the first site visit. We also got into why AI still needs human oversight in the real world, and how interactive, lot-based website tools are changing lead generation for builders.

You’ll take away:

  •  Why pre-feasibility is the sweet spot for fast decisions before full feasibility costs
  • How zoning complexity really stacks up across municipal, state, and hazard layers
  • Why “AI + human in the loop” (plus QA and golden sets) matters for accuracy

  • A simple trust play: surface constraints and likely extra costs right at the first call
  • A practical way to frame what’s allowed: by-right vs permits vs variance territory
  • Why lot-specific website tools beat generic lead magnets for builder marketing

Guest: Avi Kaufman
Avi is the Co-Founder and Chief Real Estate Officer at FutureLot, helping builders and homeowners quickly understand what can legally be built on a property, starting with ADUs. He focuses on turning zoning complexity into clear, usable answers that speed up feasibility and improve client trust.

https://www.futurelot.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/avinkaufman

Host: Wes Towers (Uplift 360)
Wes helps construction and trade businesses win better work with websites that do more than look good. He builds high-performing sites, sharpens messaging, and uses Search Everywhere Optimisation to lift visibility across Google and AI-driven search, turning more enquiries into confident “yes” decisions. Built. Trusted. Chosen. is where he sits down with builders, operators, and marketers to share practical plays that build trust early and remove friction from the sales process.

https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.?
Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18477530 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 1997 full false Stop “Doing It All”, Build Systems That Let Your Trade Business Grow | David Forster Stop “Doing It All”, Build Systems That Let Your Trade Business Grow | David Forster If you’re leading a trades or construction business and it still relies on you for every decision, every fix, every “quick question”, you don’t have a team problem. You’ve got an operating system problem.

In this episode of Built. Trusted. Chosen., I sat down with David Forster (Dave) to unpack what it really takes to scale a trades business without burning out. We talked about the messy early days (hiring with no training plan, the box of receipts at tax time, and the temptation to buy gear before the numbers make sense), and the turning point where systems, SOPs, and decision frameworks stop being “extra work” and start becoming freedom.

You’ll take away:

  •  Why grit gets you to the first milestone, but structure gets you beyond it
  • How to slow down and train properly so you stop doing everything yourself
  • Simple ways to capture SOPs (written steps, screen recordings, job-site videos)
  • How decision filters reduce owner bottlenecks and constant firefighting
  • Why you should expect turnover and build onboarding that survives it
  • Dave’s 3D Decision Loop: Diagnose, Decide, Direction (then commit and move)

Guest: David Forster
Dave is the founder of Systems Over Sweat, helping trades and home service leaders build decision frameworks, SOPs, and scalable operations. He’s also a senior operator in the landscaping world and brings real, lived experience from building and selling multiple service businesses.

https://systemsoversweat.com
https://www.instagram.com/officialdavidforster/

Host: Wes Towers (Uplift 360)
Wes helps trades and construction companies grow with websites that convert and content that builds trust. Built. Trusted. Chosen. is where he pulls back the curtain with operators and leaders on what actually works, so you can build a business that runs smoother, sells easier, and doesn’t rely on you for everything.

https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.?
Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> If you’re leading a trades or construction business and it still relies on you for every decision, every fix, every “quick question”, you don’t have a team problem. You’ve got an operating system problem.

In this episode of Built. Trusted. Chosen., I sat down with David Forster (Dave) to unpack what it really takes to scale a trades business without burning out. We talked about the messy early days (hiring with no training plan, the box of receipts at tax time, and the temptation to buy gear before the numbers make sense), and the turning point where systems, SOPs, and decision frameworks stop being “extra work” and start becoming freedom.

You’ll take away:

  •  Why grit gets you to the first milestone, but structure gets you beyond it
  • How to slow down and train properly so you stop doing everything yourself
  • Simple ways to capture SOPs (written steps, screen recordings, job-site videos)
  • How decision filters reduce owner bottlenecks and constant firefighting
  • Why you should expect turnover and build onboarding that survives it
  • Dave’s 3D Decision Loop: Diagnose, Decide, Direction (then commit and move)

Guest: David Forster
Dave is the founder of Systems Over Sweat, helping trades and home service leaders build decision frameworks, SOPs, and scalable operations. He’s also a senior operator in the landscaping world and brings real, lived experience from building and selling multiple service businesses.

https://systemsoversweat.com
https://www.instagram.com/officialdavidforster/

Host: Wes Towers (Uplift 360)
Wes helps trades and construction companies grow with websites that convert and content that builds trust. Built. Trusted. Chosen. is where he pulls back the curtain with operators and leaders on what actually works, so you can build a business that runs smoother, sells easier, and doesn’t rely on you for everything.

https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.?
Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18477501 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +1100 1811 full false Storytelling That Gets Trades and Home Services Found in the AI Era | Kyle Bailey Storytelling That Gets Trades and Home Services Found in the AI Era | Kyle Bailey AI is flooding the market with “good enough” marketing. For trades and home service businesses, that makes it harder than ever to stand out and get chosen.

In this episode, I sat down with Kyle Bailey to unpack why storytelling is no longer optional for contractors, trade businesses, and home service owners who want to stay visible as search and AI evolve. We talked about how story connects directly to the sales process, how to audit your core values (including the uncomfortable bits), and how to weave your story through your website, content, team, and day-to-day operations so it actually feels real.

You’ll take away:

  •  Why marketing breaks when it’s not connected to the sales process
  • How to use story to differentiate when everyone offers “the same service”
  • A practical core values audit: you, your team, your best customers, plus the “negative gaps”
  • Kyle’s “osmosis” approach to weaving story into every page and touchpoint
  • How to use AI for the framework, while keeping the human element competitors can’t copy
  • What it means to make your story operational, and how to collect feedback without bias

Guest - Kyle Bailey

Kyle is the owner of Front Burner Marketing in Austin, Texas, where he helps home service business owners communicate clearly and connect their brand to the real sales process. He’s also the author of an upcoming book titled What’s Your Story?

Guest links:
 • https://frontburnermarketing.net/

Host - Wes Towers

I’m the founder of Uplift 360, a digital agency that helps trades, construction, and home service businesses be found, trusted, and chosen online. We build high-performing websites and run Search Everywhere Optimisation so your message stays consistent across Google, AI-driven search, and the places people actually make decisions. If this episode resonated, you’ll probably like how we work: we help you clarify your positioning, turn your story into practical website and content messaging, and align marketing with the real sales process so leads come in clearer, warmer, and easier to convert.

Want to connect with Uplift 360?
 • https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here:
 • https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> AI is flooding the market with “good enough” marketing. For trades and home service businesses, that makes it harder than ever to stand out and get chosen.

In this episode, I sat down with Kyle Bailey to unpack why storytelling is no longer optional for contractors, trade businesses, and home service owners who want to stay visible as search and AI evolve. We talked about how story connects directly to the sales process, how to audit your core values (including the uncomfortable bits), and how to weave your story through your website, content, team, and day-to-day operations so it actually feels real.

You’ll take away:

  •  Why marketing breaks when it’s not connected to the sales process
  • How to use story to differentiate when everyone offers “the same service”
  • A practical core values audit: you, your team, your best customers, plus the “negative gaps”
  • Kyle’s “osmosis” approach to weaving story into every page and touchpoint
  • How to use AI for the framework, while keeping the human element competitors can’t copy
  • What it means to make your story operational, and how to collect feedback without bias

Guest - Kyle Bailey

Kyle is the owner of Front Burner Marketing in Austin, Texas, where he helps home service business owners communicate clearly and connect their brand to the real sales process. He’s also the author of an upcoming book titled What’s Your Story?

Guest links:
 • https://frontburnermarketing.net/

Host - Wes Towers

I’m the founder of Uplift 360, a digital agency that helps trades, construction, and home service businesses be found, trusted, and chosen online. We build high-performing websites and run Search Everywhere Optimisation so your message stays consistent across Google, AI-driven search, and the places people actually make decisions. If this episode resonated, you’ll probably like how we work: we help you clarify your positioning, turn your story into practical website and content messaging, and align marketing with the real sales process so leads come in clearer, warmer, and easier to convert.

Want to connect with Uplift 360?
 • https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here:
 • https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18470728 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +1100 1885 full false The Cash-Flow Traps That Sink Construction Businesses (And How to Avoid Them) | Dustin Young The Cash-Flow Traps That Sink Construction Businesses (And How to Avoid Them) | Dustin Young In construction, growth can look incredible right up until cash flow collapses. You can be flat out, fully booked, and still get sunk by payment terms, big material outlays, and poor forecasting.

In this episode, I sat down with Dustin Young, a fractional CFO who helps construction companies build financial clarity, stronger cash flow, and more predictable profitability so owners can scale without the stress. He partners with subcontractors and general contractors to put the right numbers, systems, and decision-making in place before growth creates avoidable problems.

We unpacked the cash-flow traps that quietly break contractors and what to do about them before they bite. We also talked about the shift from running jobs off your phone to building real systems, why “having a bookkeeper” isn’t the same as having financial clarity, and how to make smarter go/no-go decisions when bigger contracts start landing on your desk.

You’ll take away:

  • Why owners get stuck doing everything, and how systems and delegation unlock growth
  • The hidden danger in 60–90 day payment terms and the contract fine print that catches people out
  • Why bookkeeping is the foundation, but forecasting is what prevents cash disasters
  • The key roles that reduce chaos: bookkeeper, PM/superintendent, finance lead, admin support
  • How a 3–6 month cash buffer helps you survive surprises and protect your reputation

Guest: Dustin Young (Fractional CFO for construction companies)
Website: https://www.ravencfo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinhyoung
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravencfo/

Host: Wes Towers
I’m the founder of Uplift 360, where we help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online. We build high-performing websites and use Search Everywhere Optimisation to turn real expertise into visibility, trust, and leads across search and the platforms people use to vet you.
https://uplift360.com.au

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> In construction, growth can look incredible right up until cash flow collapses. You can be flat out, fully booked, and still get sunk by payment terms, big material outlays, and poor forecasting.

In this episode, I sat down with Dustin Young, a fractional CFO who helps construction companies build financial clarity, stronger cash flow, and more predictable profitability so owners can scale without the stress. He partners with subcontractors and general contractors to put the right numbers, systems, and decision-making in place before growth creates avoidable problems.

We unpacked the cash-flow traps that quietly break contractors and what to do about them before they bite. We also talked about the shift from running jobs off your phone to building real systems, why “having a bookkeeper” isn’t the same as having financial clarity, and how to make smarter go/no-go decisions when bigger contracts start landing on your desk.

You’ll take away:

  • Why owners get stuck doing everything, and how systems and delegation unlock growth
  • The hidden danger in 60–90 day payment terms and the contract fine print that catches people out
  • Why bookkeeping is the foundation, but forecasting is what prevents cash disasters
  • The key roles that reduce chaos: bookkeeper, PM/superintendent, finance lead, admin support
  • How a 3–6 month cash buffer helps you survive surprises and protect your reputation

Guest: Dustin Young (Fractional CFO for construction companies)
Website: https://www.ravencfo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinhyoung
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravencfo/

Host: Wes Towers
I’m the founder of Uplift 360, where we help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online. We build high-performing websites and use Search Everywhere Optimisation to turn real expertise into visibility, trust, and leads across search and the platforms people use to vet you.
https://uplift360.com.au

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18465713 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +1100 2071 full false The 3 Pillars That Take Trades and Contractors From 7 Figures to 8 | Dan Bamper The 3 Pillars That Take Trades and Contractors From 7 Figures to 8 | Dan Bamper Most trades and construction businesses don’t fail because they’re bad at the work. They fail because they take the wrong jobs, price from scarcity, and don’t have the numbers to see what’s really happening until it’s too late.

In this episode of Built. Trusted. Chosen., I sat down with Dan Bamper, a fractional CFO who works specifically with contractors and trades businesses. We got practical about what actually moves the needle when you’re trying to grow past seven figures: choosing the right work, tracking the right metrics, building a team that can run without you, and positioning your business so customers trust you and choose you.

You’ll take away:

  • How to stop taking “any job” and start pricing with margin, overhead, and profit baked in
  • Why “not knowing your numbers” is the silent killer, and what to track beyond the P&L
  • The shift from one truck to a scalable operation with a central hub, team targets, and systems
  • How your revenue mix can lift margins with small, smart tweaks
  • Why you should market to your best clients and actively repel the worst ones
  • How to position with standards, data, and risk reversal so trust is built faster

Guest: Dan Bamper is a fractional CFO for contractors and trades businesses based in Oklahoma City, USA. He’s the founder of Black Belt Ledgers and helps seven-figure contractors build data-driven systems so they can scale with clarity, protect margins, and make decisions with confidence instead of guesswork.

Website: https://blackbeltledgers.com/

Host: Wes Towers, Founder of Uplift 360. I help trades and construction companies grow by making sure they show up as the obvious choice online. Uplift 360 builds high-performing websites and content systems that turn attention into trust, and trust into better enquiries. That includes clearer positioning, stronger proof (projects, process, people), and Search Everywhere Optimisation so the right customers can find you across Google, maps, social, and AI-driven search. The goal is straightforward: attract better-fit work, lift conversion, and support sustainable growth without relying on discounting or constant quoting.

Website: https://uplift360.com.au/

CTA: Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Most trades and construction businesses don’t fail because they’re bad at the work. They fail because they take the wrong jobs, price from scarcity, and don’t have the numbers to see what’s really happening until it’s too late.

In this episode of Built. Trusted. Chosen., I sat down with Dan Bamper, a fractional CFO who works specifically with contractors and trades businesses. We got practical about what actually moves the needle when you’re trying to grow past seven figures: choosing the right work, tracking the right metrics, building a team that can run without you, and positioning your business so customers trust you and choose you.

You’ll take away:

  • How to stop taking “any job” and start pricing with margin, overhead, and profit baked in
  • Why “not knowing your numbers” is the silent killer, and what to track beyond the P&L
  • The shift from one truck to a scalable operation with a central hub, team targets, and systems
  • How your revenue mix can lift margins with small, smart tweaks
  • Why you should market to your best clients and actively repel the worst ones
  • How to position with standards, data, and risk reversal so trust is built faster

Guest: Dan Bamper is a fractional CFO for contractors and trades businesses based in Oklahoma City, USA. He’s the founder of Black Belt Ledgers and helps seven-figure contractors build data-driven systems so they can scale with clarity, protect margins, and make decisions with confidence instead of guesswork.

Website: https://blackbeltledgers.com/

Host: Wes Towers, Founder of Uplift 360. I help trades and construction companies grow by making sure they show up as the obvious choice online. Uplift 360 builds high-performing websites and content systems that turn attention into trust, and trust into better enquiries. That includes clearer positioning, stronger proof (projects, process, people), and Search Everywhere Optimisation so the right customers can find you across Google, maps, social, and AI-driven search. The goal is straightforward: attract better-fit work, lift conversion, and support sustainable growth without relying on discounting or constant quoting.

Website: https://uplift360.com.au/

CTA: Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18423989 Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +1100 2269 full false Stop Hiring “Warm Bodies” in Construction and Start Hiring for Fit | Traci Austin Stop Hiring “Warm Bodies” in Construction and Start Hiring for Fit | Traci Austin Most trades and construction businesses aren’t struggling because the work is hard. They’re struggling because hiring turns into “whoever shows up”, expectations stay fuzzy, and trust gets chipped away in a hundred small moments.

In this episode of Built. Trusted. Chosen., I sat down with Traci Austin to talk about what actually creates retention in construction. We unpack how to hire for genuine fit (not just experience), how culture is built through the behaviours you tolerate, and why clarity on outcomes beats busywork every time. Traci also shares simple leadership questions you can use immediately to understand what people want and how to keep the right ones.

You’ll take away:

  • How to avoid hiring “warm bodies” using a fit-to-role scorecard (skills, culture, behaviour)
  • Why culture is simply the behaviours you allow (and what that means on a job site)
  • How reputation and a real pathway drive retention more than perks
  • A “work bucket list” question that upgrades one-on-ones fast
  • How to lead teams around outcomes (quality, results), not just outputs (activity)
  • Why trust is won or lost in micro-promises, and how to rebuild it through communication

Guest: Traci Austin is the Founder and CEO of Elevated Talent Consulting. She helps construction and blue-collar organisations build stronger leaders, reduce turnover, and create cultures people genuinely want to stay in. Her work sits at the intersection of leadership development, practical hiring systems, and day-to-day jobsite behaviours, with a focus on clear expectations and higher standards without burning people out.

Website: https://elevatedtalentconsulting.com/

Free Tough Talk Blueprint: https://elevatedtalentconsulting.com/the-tough-talk-blueprint/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traci-austin/

Host: Wes Towers, Founder of Uplift 360. I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online by turning their websites into their best salesperson. Uplift 360 builds high-performing websites and content systems designed around how people actually choose contractors and construction partners: clearer positioning, stronger proof (projects, process, people), and Search Everywhere Optimisation so your business shows up where decisions get made (Google, maps, social, and increasingly AI-driven search). The goal is simple: more qualified enquiries, better-fit clients, and a brand that looks as professional as the work you deliver.

https://uplift360.com.au

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Most trades and construction businesses aren’t struggling because the work is hard. They’re struggling because hiring turns into “whoever shows up”, expectations stay fuzzy, and trust gets chipped away in a hundred small moments.

In this episode of Built. Trusted. Chosen., I sat down with Traci Austin to talk about what actually creates retention in construction. We unpack how to hire for genuine fit (not just experience), how culture is built through the behaviours you tolerate, and why clarity on outcomes beats busywork every time. Traci also shares simple leadership questions you can use immediately to understand what people want and how to keep the right ones.

You’ll take away:

  • How to avoid hiring “warm bodies” using a fit-to-role scorecard (skills, culture, behaviour)
  • Why culture is simply the behaviours you allow (and what that means on a job site)
  • How reputation and a real pathway drive retention more than perks
  • A “work bucket list” question that upgrades one-on-ones fast
  • How to lead teams around outcomes (quality, results), not just outputs (activity)
  • Why trust is won or lost in micro-promises, and how to rebuild it through communication

Guest: Traci Austin is the Founder and CEO of Elevated Talent Consulting. She helps construction and blue-collar organisations build stronger leaders, reduce turnover, and create cultures people genuinely want to stay in. Her work sits at the intersection of leadership development, practical hiring systems, and day-to-day jobsite behaviours, with a focus on clear expectations and higher standards without burning people out.

Website: https://elevatedtalentconsulting.com/

Free Tough Talk Blueprint: https://elevatedtalentconsulting.com/the-tough-talk-blueprint/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traci-austin/

Host: Wes Towers, Founder of Uplift 360. I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online by turning their websites into their best salesperson. Uplift 360 builds high-performing websites and content systems designed around how people actually choose contractors and construction partners: clearer positioning, stronger proof (projects, process, people), and Search Everywhere Optimisation so your business shows up where decisions get made (Google, maps, social, and increasingly AI-driven search). The goal is simple: more qualified enquiries, better-fit clients, and a brand that looks as professional as the work you deliver.

https://uplift360.com.au

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18423975 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +1100 1991 full false How AI Cuts Noncompliance and Cost Blowouts in Construction Projects | Dennis Dixon How AI Cuts Noncompliance and Cost Blowouts in Construction Projects | Dennis Dixon Most trades and construction businesses don’t lose money from one big mistake. They lose it from a hundred small “interpretation” mistakes that turn into RFIs, rework, delays, and budget blowouts.

In this episode, I sat down with Dennis Dixon to unpack why noncompliance is the thread tying together so many project failures, and how AI is already being used on-site in practical ways (often by the people you’d least expect). 

Dennis also breaks down why many industries skipped the basics of automation and jumped straight to AI, and what leaders can do to get the upside without losing the human edge that makes great work… great.

You’ll take away:

  • Why trades were early adopters of AI on-site (and what they used it for)
  • Why AI works best as an assistant, not a replacement
  • How noncompliance quietly drives cost and schedule blowouts
  • Why hundreds of project handoffs create “interpretation risk” and RFIs
  • How missing automation fundamentals is holding teams back with AI
  • Why trust is dropping, and how leaders build it back through reputation and clarity

Guest: Dennis Dixon is the Co-founder & CEO of OQULi (Canada) and the creator of CODiii, a platform focused on helping AECO teams navigate compliance and reduce project friction.
Guest links:
https://codiii.com/
https://www.oquli.ca/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisod/

Wes Towers - Uplift 360: I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.

https://uplift360.com.au

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Most trades and construction businesses don’t lose money from one big mistake. They lose it from a hundred small “interpretation” mistakes that turn into RFIs, rework, delays, and budget blowouts.

In this episode, I sat down with Dennis Dixon to unpack why noncompliance is the thread tying together so many project failures, and how AI is already being used on-site in practical ways (often by the people you’d least expect). 

Dennis also breaks down why many industries skipped the basics of automation and jumped straight to AI, and what leaders can do to get the upside without losing the human edge that makes great work… great.

You’ll take away:

  • Why trades were early adopters of AI on-site (and what they used it for)
  • Why AI works best as an assistant, not a replacement
  • How noncompliance quietly drives cost and schedule blowouts
  • Why hundreds of project handoffs create “interpretation risk” and RFIs
  • How missing automation fundamentals is holding teams back with AI
  • Why trust is dropping, and how leaders build it back through reputation and clarity

Guest: Dennis Dixon is the Co-founder & CEO of OQULi (Canada) and the creator of CODiii, a platform focused on helping AECO teams navigate compliance and reduce project friction.
Guest links:
https://codiii.com/
https://www.oquli.ca/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisod/

Wes Towers - Uplift 360: I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.

https://uplift360.com.au

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18423950 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +1100 2078 full false From change orders to clarity: de-risking construction projects | Eugene Gershman From change orders to clarity: de-risking construction projects | Eugene Gershman Trust in construction is getting hammered, and when clients shop like it’s online retail, everyone loses. Lowest bid wins, corners get cut, change orders explode, and reputations get dragged.

In this episode, I’m joined by Eugene Gershman from GIS Companies. Eugene’s come up through a construction family, ran contractor operations, and now focuses fully on development management. We get into what actually protects projects when the market’s tight: real relationships, clear fees, and refusing to build off “cheap” design that isn’t truly buildable.

You’ll take away:

  • Why “permit-only” drawings can be a financial grenade once you hit site
  • How low-bid wins often turns into change-order pain (for both owner and contractor)
  • A better way to compare contractors: fee, margin, and how they value themselves
  • Why you can’t build trust, or buildings, from behind a computer screen
  • How simple “old school” touches can help contractors stand out in an AI-noisy world

Eugene Gershman is a real estate developer and the lead at GIS Companies, helping property owners structure, finance, and execute development projects from feasibility through delivery.
Guest links: https://giscompanies.co/
Feasibility Study Checklist: https://giscompanies.co/development/feasibility-study/
Eugene’s podcast (Real Estate Development: Land to Legacy): https://giscompanies.co/podcast/

Wes Towers - Uplift 360
I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.
Visit: https://uplift360.com.au

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Trust in construction is getting hammered, and when clients shop like it’s online retail, everyone loses. Lowest bid wins, corners get cut, change orders explode, and reputations get dragged.

In this episode, I’m joined by Eugene Gershman from GIS Companies. Eugene’s come up through a construction family, ran contractor operations, and now focuses fully on development management. We get into what actually protects projects when the market’s tight: real relationships, clear fees, and refusing to build off “cheap” design that isn’t truly buildable.

You’ll take away:

  • Why “permit-only” drawings can be a financial grenade once you hit site
  • How low-bid wins often turns into change-order pain (for both owner and contractor)
  • A better way to compare contractors: fee, margin, and how they value themselves
  • Why you can’t build trust, or buildings, from behind a computer screen
  • How simple “old school” touches can help contractors stand out in an AI-noisy world

Eugene Gershman is a real estate developer and the lead at GIS Companies, helping property owners structure, finance, and execute development projects from feasibility through delivery.
Guest links: https://giscompanies.co/
Feasibility Study Checklist: https://giscompanies.co/development/feasibility-study/
Eugene’s podcast (Real Estate Development: Land to Legacy): https://giscompanies.co/podcast/

Wes Towers - Uplift 360
I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.
Visit: https://uplift360.com.au

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18423901 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +1100 1837 full false From Tools to Team: Scaling Trades & Construction Leadership | Dr Andy Neillie From Tools to Team: Scaling Trades & Construction Leadership | Dr Andy Neillie Most trades and construction businesses don’t stall because of a lack of work. They stall when the owner becomes the bottleneck due to a lack of leadership.

In this episode, Dr Andy Neillie breaks down the real-world leadership shifts that help construction business owners and leaders scale: clearer expectations, better conversations, stronger trust, and a culture that doesn’t rely on you being everywhere at once.

You’ll take away:
• The “tools to team” mindset shift that separates operators from leaders
• How to build trust with your crew (and stop losing it through small slip-ups)
• Why hard conversations are a leadership skill, not a personality trait
• Simple structure that supports scale: clarity, roles, and follow-through
• How to lead with standards and care (without becoming the bottleneck)

Dr Andy Neillie is a leadership speaker and leadership development specialist who helps businesses turn managers into effective leaders.

Neillie Leadership Group: https://neillieleadershipgroup.com/

Free ebook: https://leadershipmaterials.com

Host: Wes Towers - Uplift 360
I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation (SEO).

Want to be a guest on the podcast? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Most trades and construction businesses don’t stall because of a lack of work. They stall when the owner becomes the bottleneck due to a lack of leadership.

In this episode, Dr Andy Neillie breaks down the real-world leadership shifts that help construction business owners and leaders scale: clearer expectations, better conversations, stronger trust, and a culture that doesn’t rely on you being everywhere at once.

You’ll take away:
• The “tools to team” mindset shift that separates operators from leaders
• How to build trust with your crew (and stop losing it through small slip-ups)
• Why hard conversations are a leadership skill, not a personality trait
• Simple structure that supports scale: clarity, roles, and follow-through
• How to lead with standards and care (without becoming the bottleneck)

Dr Andy Neillie is a leadership speaker and leadership development specialist who helps businesses turn managers into effective leaders.

Neillie Leadership Group: https://neillieleadershipgroup.com/

Free ebook: https://leadershipmaterials.com

Host: Wes Towers - Uplift 360
I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation (SEO).

Want to be a guest on the podcast? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Buzzsprout-18368363 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +1100 1927 full false Escape the Owner Prison and Build a Sellable Trades Business | Richard Walsh Escape the Owner Prison and Build a Sellable Trades Business | Richard Walsh If you’re in trades or construction and the business can’t run without you, you’re not “busy”… you’re boxed in.

In this conversation with Richard Walsh, we unpack what really keeps contractors stuck on the hamster wheel, and how to rebuild a business that creates time, profit, and options (including a real exit). Richard’s story includes massive wins, losing everything, and the hard reset that forced him to design a different kind of business and life.

You’ll take away:

  • Making money is rarely the hard part, it’s the systems, compliance, and leadership that keep it alive
  • When your business becomes your identity, you’ll defend it with bad decisions
  • The non-negotiables that protect your family and stop the business taking over
  • A simple exit strategy framework: “how long and how much”, then reverse engineer the plan
  • The “5%” founders should focus on (and how to delegate the rest properly)
  • Why delegation fails when it’s just “do this”, and how to build guardrails so your team can win daily

Guest: Richard Walsh
Richard Walsh is the CEO of Sharpen the Spear Coaching and the author of Escape the Owner Prison, focused on helping business owners (especially contractors) regain control and scale with less chaos.
Website: https://sharpenthespearcoaching.com
Email (free audiobook request): richard@sharpenthespearcoaching.com

Host: Wes Towers (Uplift 360)
I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.
https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> If you’re in trades or construction and the business can’t run without you, you’re not “busy”… you’re boxed in.

In this conversation with Richard Walsh, we unpack what really keeps contractors stuck on the hamster wheel, and how to rebuild a business that creates time, profit, and options (including a real exit). Richard’s story includes massive wins, losing everything, and the hard reset that forced him to design a different kind of business and life.

You’ll take away:

  • Making money is rarely the hard part, it’s the systems, compliance, and leadership that keep it alive
  • When your business becomes your identity, you’ll defend it with bad decisions
  • The non-negotiables that protect your family and stop the business taking over
  • A simple exit strategy framework: “how long and how much”, then reverse engineer the plan
  • The “5%” founders should focus on (and how to delegate the rest properly)
  • Why delegation fails when it’s just “do this”, and how to build guardrails so your team can win daily

Guest: Richard Walsh
Richard Walsh is the CEO of Sharpen the Spear Coaching and the author of Escape the Owner Prison, focused on helping business owners (especially contractors) regain control and scale with less chaos.
Website: https://sharpenthespearcoaching.com
Email (free audiobook request): richard@sharpenthespearcoaching.com

Host: Wes Towers (Uplift 360)
I help trades and construction companies be found, trusted, and chosen online through high-performing websites and Search Everywhere Optimisation.
https://uplift360.com.au/

Want to be a guest on Built. Trusted. Chosen.? Book here: https://uplift360.com.au/built-trusted-chosen-podcast-guest-booking/

]]> Wes Towers Buzzsprout-18423844 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +1100 2588 full false