Mindful Builder

“Stop talking to everyone like they’re in the industry. Talk to them in ways that are going to evoke emotions and what’s important to them.”
In this video, we sit down with Laura De Ridder from Sorted Digital Marketing to chat about why so much of the construction marketing we see misses the mark, and what builders and tradies can do instead to attract the right clients.
We cover how to get clear on who you’re actually talking to, why storytelling builds trust faster than specs and spreadsheets, and how to use different platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for different jobs. Laura also explains why authenticity matters more than polished ads, and why SEO is non-negotiable if you want to be found when people are searching for a builder.
If you’re tired of relying on referrals alone and want marketing that feels practical, honest, and aligned with the work you do, this conversation will help you sharpen your message and show your value in a way clients actually connect with.
👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇
0:00 - Introduction: Building Better Through Education
1:07 - Meet Laura from Sorted Digital Marketing
2:22 - Why High Performance Building Isn't Mainstream
3:29 - Laura's Background: Starting a Digital Marketing Agency
4:16 - Organic Social Media vs Paid Ads Explained
5:52 - Working with Passive House & High Performance Builders
8:42 - Stop Talking Numbers: Speak to Your Customer Avatar
10:10 - The Problem with Builder Social Media Content
10:55 - Content Pillars: Creating Diverse Marketing Strategy
12:03 - Understanding Different Social Media Platforms
15:32 - Instagram as a Search Engine: SEO & Keywords
20:20 - Copywriting Tips: Avoid ChatGPT Mistakes
22:03 - Hashtags in 2024: The New 3-Hashtag Rule
25:07 - Using AI Tools for Authentic Content Creation
25:28 - Passive House Marketing: Too Technical for Consumers
26:00 - Blower Door Tests: Making Technical Content Engaging
27:15 - Negative Hooks: Why They Work on Social Media
28:07 - Attention Spans & Social Media Dopamine Hits
29:51 - Technology, Patience & Frictionless Society
33:14 - Essential Marketing Channels: Website, Social & More
34:38 - AI Search & Website SEO Strategy
36:12 - Website Essentials: What Every Builder Needs
37:21 - High Quality Content vs Phone Content
37:45 - Blogs & Newsletters: Building Your Database
43:01 - Content Ideas: Health, Comfort & Cost of Living
63:25 - Diversity in Content Strategy
65:56 - 2026 Marketing Trends: Authenticity Over AI
67:27 - Personal Touch: Phone Calls & Client Check-ins
70:02 - Video Hooks: Visual & Audio Engagement
72:14 - Self-Filming Tips: Be Punchy, Don't Waffle
74:08 - ASMR Content: The Power of Sound
77:48 - Mindful Moment: Apprentice Development Guide
LINKS:
Sorted Digital Marketing:
https://sorteddigital.com.au/
Sorted Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/_sorted/
Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod
Connect with Hamish:
Instagram: @sanctumhomes
Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:
Instagram:

“I remember crying, driving back to Geelong because it was just too much.” In this Mindful Builder Podcast episode, Devin Grant of Performance Membranes shares the real story behind building a successful construction business and what happens when the workload finally catches up with you.
We talk burnout, six-day weeks, and the lessons Devin learned after starting Granted Constructions in 2013. Then we get into the practical side of Passive House building in Australia; why it’s not a “spaceship”, why it’s “just a house done right”, and what Devin’s learned from living in his own Passive House for 8+ years.
We also unpack Devin’s work with Performance Membranes, training 2,500+ builders and trades in airtightness, weatherproofing, and building better-performing homes.
👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇
00:00 Introduction
01:06 Meet Devin: A Journey in the Building Industry
01:37 Early Career Challenges and Growth
05:36 Transition to Commercial Projects
08:35 Burnout and Rediscovery
10:29 Discovering Passive House
13:22 Living in a Passive House: Real Experiences
21:31 Building Better: The Future of Construction
27:06 The Origin of Performance Membranes
29:19 Growth and Industry Impact
30:08 Customer Retention and Training
31:09 Product Sponsorship and Alignment
31:48 The Evolution of Building Standards
33:01 The Importance of Proper Membrane Use
41:13 New Product Developments
46:38 The Role of Industry Collaboration
51:08 Supporting Apprentices and Future Builders
LINKS:
https://proclima.com.au/Performance Membranes:
https://membranes.build
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/performancemembranesau/
Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod
Connect with Hamish:
Instagram: @sanctumhomes
Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:
Instagram: @carlandconstructions
Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/

“We’re dumping energy to maintain comfort.”
That’s how Andre Griffs from BINQ sums up what’s happening in far too many Australian homes. We crank the heater, blast the air con, and wonder why the house still feels off. Often, the culprit is simple. The windows are not performing.
We sat down with Andre to unpack what’s going wrong with Australian windows, why it matters more than most people realise, and what BINQ is doing differently to lift the standard.
Windows aren’t a finishing touch. They’re a performance decision.
And if Australia wants healthier, more comfortable, more energy-efficient homes, we can’t keep treating windows like a commodity. Conversations like this, with people like Andre pushing the industry forward, are how standards lift.
If you’re building or renovating and you’ve never thought deeply about your windows, we hope this episode helps you to think differently and do more research in the future.
👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇
00:00 Introduction
01:06 Sponsorship Shoutout
01:33 Guest Introduction: Andre's Story
02:37 Andre's Early Career and Education
09:55 The Birth of BINQ Windows
14:32 Challenges and Innovations in the Window Industry
28:07 The Cost of Thermal Bridge-Free Design
29:28 UPVC vs. Aluminum: Sustainability and Performance
30:19 Recycling and Environmental Impact of PVC
32:23 Challenges and Benefits of High-Performance Windows
37:44 Key Factors in Choosing Windows
44:27 Market Trends and Innovations in Windows
50:32 The Importance of Trades and Apprenticeships
LINKS:
Website:
https://www.binq.com.au/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/binq_windows/
Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod
Connect with Hamish:
Instagram: @sanctumhomes
Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:
Instagram: @carlandconstructions
Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/

"In Germany, you’d never see a timber frame left out in the rain."
That’s just one of the eye-opening differences we uncovered with Daniel Jakobs, a master carpenter and construction engineer from Germany, on the Mindful Builder Podcast. Dan has spent over 20 years in high-performance, ecological construction, and now serves as Technical Sales Manager for pro clima® in Australia and New Zealand. If you’ve ever met him, you know he’s got a world-class hipster beard, a great sense of humour, and the rare ability to make building science fun.
Dan shares what sets European building standards apart, from meticulous prefabrication and weatherproofing to the absolute importance of ventilation for healthy, durable homes.
Discover why protecting timber, getting back to basics with tools, and prioritising proper airflow are non-negotiables for future-ready construction.
Australia has the talent and the tools; now it’s about raising our standards. That means learning from the best of Europe, investing in better methods, and refusing to settle for more relaxed standards. For new apprentices and seasoned builders alike, it’s about being open to new ideas, looking after your craft, and building homes that are healthy, durable, and genuinely fit for the future.
👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇
00:00 Introduction
01:08 Special Offers and Promotions
01:53 Exciting News and Announcements
02:04 pro clima® Sponsorship
05:12 The Future of Building
05:47 Dan Jakobs Background and Journey
06:15 Building Practices in Germany
08:09 Challenges in Australian Building
21:42 Treated Timber and Building Materials
26:43 Challenges and Opportunities in Prefabrication
28:03 Small Scale Prefab: A Practical Approach
30:57 The Importance of Timber Quality and Sustainability
32:06 Education and Training in Carpentry
39:22 Innovations in Timber Products
42:52 Addressing Mould and Moisture in Construction
44:15 Encouraging Better Building Practices
52:12 Tips for Apprentices and Industry Professionals
58:43 Conclusion
LINKS:
https://proclima.com.au/
Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod
Connect with Hamish:
Instagram: @sanctumhomes
Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:
Instagram: @carlandconstructions
Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/

"Is natural building just for green hippie owner-builders?"
We sat down with Rachel from Natural Building Australia to tackle this question head-on. Rachel's academic background and hands-on experience reveal how natural building has evolved from 1990s counterculture to a professionalised industry attracting broader audiences. Thanks to hemp industry growth and increasing awareness of healthy building materials, natural building is becoming a legitimate mainstream option in Australian construction.
Rachel discusses the challenges facing natural building - building codes that don't recognise materials used successfully for centuries, labour shortages, and higher costs for bespoke approaches. But she's optimistic about the future, highlighting community workshop builds that attract diverse participants, including architects wanting to get their hands dirty and more women changing the traditionally blokey building site culture.
Natural building isn't just about sustainability - it's about health, community, skill building, and connection. Whether you're a builder, architect, or homeowner curious about alternatives to conventional construction, Rachel's insights demonstrate that natural building offers practical pathways for creating healthier homes and more connected communities.
👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇
00:00 Introduction to Natural Building
03:10 Defining Natural Building
04:53 Challenges and Misconceptions
05:13 Historical Context and Evolution
07:03 Mainstreaming Natural Building
09:08 Regulatory Hurdles and Performance
11:57 Labor and Cost Issues
21:07 Straw Bale Construction
24:59 Comfort and Performance in Natural Homes
28:06 Innovative Cooling Techniques in Passive Design
29:21 Balancing Comfort and Natural Building Methods
30:10 Client Expectations and Building Regulations
30:45 The Role of Architects and Builders in Sustainable Design
32:00 Challenges and Misconceptions in Natural Building
34:47 The Importance of Healthy Building Materials
35:38 Encouraging Curiosity and Innovation in Building
36:39 Resources and Community Support for Natural Building
44:01 Hands-On Involvement and Learning Opportunities
48:11 Integrating Natural Building into Apprenticeships
52:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
LINKS:
Natural Building Australia:
https://naturalbuildingaustralia.org/place/rachel-goldlust-natural-building-consultant/

Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod
Connect with Hamish:
Instagram: @sanctumhomes
Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:
Instagram: @carlandconstructions
Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/