How to build a business you could sell - even if you never will
Branding that stands for something. A bible for your build quality. Leaders who lift the load. Ryan Goodwin from Mode Group lays out how to build a business that could run - or even sell - without you. It’s about honouring the craft, setting the bar, and backing your team. Tune in on how you can think beyond today’s job.
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45:37
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45:37
Renovation Reality Check: Patrick McDowell (McDowell Building) | Made to Build Podcast
Patrick from McDowell Building chats about renovations - how to handle dust, noise, and tricky old homes. He’s big on clear plans, honest chats with clients, and keeping sites clean. With a small, solid team, he pushes for high standards and learning as you go. Good planning and solid comms are key.https://mcdowellbuilding.com/ | @McDowellBuilding
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51:30
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51:30
Growth Pains, Design Trends & Next-Gen Builders
We pitched the mics on the expo floor at National Conference and squeezed three sharp chats into one hour: Merrick Watts – comic-turned-entrepreneur – on using pain as a growth gauge and turning your passions into business. Paige Gercovich spills on the move toward timber use in kitchens, playful tiles and calm, earthy palettes. Dean O’Rourke on new tech, cutting waste and making the trade shine for tomorrow’s workforce.
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1:03:16
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1:03:16
Future Focus — HIA Presidents’ Take, 10-Star Builds, and One Bold Career Move
We rolled the mics to HIA National Conference and stitched three chats into a one-hour bonus ep. Featuring: Ian Hazan & Debbie Johnson (HIA Presidents) on backing members, cutting red tape, and the builder’s role in better housing. Dean Backman shows how he bumps a house from 7 to 10 stars with airtight testing, triple glazing, and smarter detailing. Oliver Burnell explains trading a desk job for site dust—and why the shift paid off.
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1:06:39
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1:06:39
One Roof, No Surprises - The Tass Design-Construct Model
Ben and Aaron Tass were done with plans changing after the slab was poured, so they put the architect’s desk next to the builder’s. A multi-award winning construction company, every custom job now starts with real numbers, not wishful thinking. They walk through upfront cost breakdowns, clear client chats, and keeping growth steady in a brother-run shop. Want fewer variations and smoother builds? Give this one a run.Tass.com.au | @tass_au
Made to Build is the podcast that dives into the real stories behind residential building—the wins, lessons, and practical advice from the people shaping Australia’s housing future today. Each ep brings you raw, honest conversations with HIA members across the industry. Voices of experience who go beyond polished project photos to share the grit, growth, and hard-earned knowledge that truly make an impact. Wherever you are in the industry, we’re your go-to for insights that help you build better, smarter, and with purpose. Some people are just made to build. New eps every second Tuesday.
Australia