This episode of The Puzzle Factory is a must-listen for any tradie wanting to grow their business in the digital age. We sit down with Stanley Henry, founder of The Attention Seeker, to unpack his journey and get his raw take on what tradies are getting wrong (and right) when it comes to marketing.Stan breaks down what he would do if he owned a trade business today — including exactly how he’d build a social presence, why most flyers are a waste of time, and what kind of content actually gets results.We also dive into the difference between sales and marketing, and we literally prove the power of word-of-mouth networking live on the pod — this one’s full of gems and practical advice.
In this episode of The Puzzle Factory, we sit down with Jacob and Ance—the husband-and-wife duo behind Standout Electrical in Auckland. They’ve just been honoured as recipients of the Master Electricians Master Electricians – Auckland Branch Business Scholarship—a fantastic testament to their commitment to craftsmanship, professionalism, and service.
Join us as Jacob and Ance reflect on the early hurdles of launching a trade business—managing customer trust, standing out in a competitive field, and the nitty-gritty of running both a business and a family. They also share candid stories of working side by side as a couple, building their brand together, and navigating the joyful challenge of expecting their first baby while ensuring the business continues to shine.
Topics We'll Explore:
• The Master Electricians Business Scholarship—what it means to them, how they earned it, and how it’s helping take their business to the next level.
• The practical pains and triumphs of starting an electrical trade business—from trust and communication to marketing and growth.
• The dynamics of being business partners and life partners—how they divide roles, resolve disagreements, and make space for family and baby on the way.
Tune in for an inspiring look at how passion, partnership, and purpose combine to light the way forward—not just in a business, but in life.
https://www.standoutelectrical.co.nz/https://www.instagram.com/standoutelectricalnz/
In this episode of The Puzzle Factory with Annamalai “Andy” Alagappan from Yarns with Andy, we cover:
🔨 The real state of the NZ construction industry right now – no sugar-coating
📈 Our bold predictions for when the industry will bounce back (and the bet we made!)
🤖 How AI tools are set to disrupt construction & trades – and which ones you should be watching
🎯 What trade businesses can do right now to stay ahead of the curve
😂 Plenty of laughs and straight-talking insights from two industry lifers
👉 If you want to know when the market will turn and how to future-proof your business, this one’s a must-listen.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamalai-andy-alagappan-b3b50a17/
In this episode of The Puzzle Factory, Alex talks with Sam Groombridge, co‑founder of Big Bang Energy Solutions, a family‑run HVAC and electrical design company servicing Whangārei through to the Bay of Islands.
Sam’s story is unique:
Despite being colour blind and not a qualified electrician, Sam has built a reputation for clever design and out‑of‑the‑box innovation that keeps customers coming back.
How Big Bang Energy Solutions grew from a small start‑up into a trusted Mitsubishi Electric installer specialising in ducted and split‑system heat pumps, hot water solutions, and energy‑efficient systems.
Why going the extra mile on every job—from transparent communication to smarter system layouts—sets them apart in a competitive market.
The latest HVAC and energy‑efficiency trends every Kiwi homeowner and business should know.
This episode is packed with real‑world business lessons and actionable insights for tradespeople and anyone considering HVAC or solar solutions for their property.
👉 "HRD Global 100 Top HR Executive Sonya Bloomfield shares game‑changing tips to fix your trade business culture – and keep your best people 💡⚡"
In this episode of The Puzzle Factory, we’re joined by Sonya Bloomfield, a HRD Global 100 Top HR Executive and now Director at Soul Power Electrical Ltd, to share practical tips you can use today to improve your trade business culture.
With an award‑winning background leading HR and culture at a global level, Sonya brings a fresh perspective to the trades industry. She’s now using that expertise to help build one of New Zealand’s most people‑focused electrical companies.
We cover:
🧠 Practical steps to transform workplace culture in trades businesses
💼 How strong culture drives better recruitment, retention, and performance
⚡ Lessons from global HR leadership now applied to NZ trades
🤝 Building engaged teams who want to stick around and do their best work
Whether you’re an electrician, builder, or business owner, Sonya’s insights will help you boost morale, improve staff retention, and create a culture that supports growth.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonyabloomfield/https://soulpower.co.nz/
In this episode of The Puzzle Factory, we sit down with Matt Bennett — founder of Team MBE — to hear the real story behind one of Auckland’s fastest-growing electrical companies.From a working-class upbringing and learning the trade on the tools, to backing himself and building a business from the ground up, Matt shares how he grew Team MBE into the powerhouse it is today. We cover the highs, the hard knocks, and the key lessons that shaped his journey.It’s an honest, practical chat full of insights for tradies, business owners, and anyone out there building something bigger than themselves.
https://nztradegroup.co.nz/contact-us/
In this episode of The Puzzle Factory, Andrew Murphy, Director of Planet Electrical, shares how his lifelong passion for renewable energy 🌱 and sustainability shaped both his career and his business. Andrew talks about growing Planet Electrical into a thriving NZ electrical and HVAC company while staying true to his mission of helping Kiwis reduce their environmental impact.We dive into:🌞 How Andrew built Planet Electrical with a focus on renewable energy👷♂️ The realities of going from electrician to full-time business owner🤝 Strategies for building and retaining a motivated team🌍 Practical ways trade businesses can support a greener futureIf you’re interested in renewable energy, running a successful electrical business, or making a positive impact while you grow, this episode is packed with valuable insights.www.planetelectrical.co.nzwww.nztradegroup.co.nz
From growing up in Kaitaia to becoming one of New Zealand’s leading KiwiSaver experts, John Bell’s story is all about vision, grit, and smart financial thinking. In this episode of The Puzzle Factory, we dive into John’s journey—from his rural upbringing and love of rugby to building Kauri Wealth into a trusted name in financial advice.
John unpacks what most Kiwis still get wrong about KiwiSaver, how to make your money work smarter, and why mindset matters just as much as money. Plus, we do a live review of Alex’s KiwiSaver and discuss how to set yourself up for long-term success—without the jargon.
Jeremy Foster started in the trenches - knocking on doors, selling direct to homeowners. From those humble beginnings, he helped grow HRV into a household Kiwi brand, and today he’s the General Manager of Fujitsu General NZ, leading one of the country’s biggest HVAC players.
In this episode of The Puzzle Factory, Jeremy takes us through:
His incredible rise from door-to-door sales to executive leadership
The behind-the-scenes story of scaling HRV into a national success
His 10 proven steps to convert every in-home sale
Why great sales is about discipline, empathy, and systems
What it takes to lead and grow a brand like Fujitsu in today’s market
🔥 Packed with real advice for tradies, salespeople, and business owners — this is a masterclass in career growth and closing deals.
In this no-fluff episode of The Puzzle Factory, Alex sits down with Luke Kemeys — chartered accountant, host of Keep the Change, co-founder of Next Advisory, and part of the crew behind Boys Get Paid — to tackle the money topics tradies often dodge. From what provisional tax actually is to building wealth with the right mindset, this is essential listening for anyone in the trades.
💰 What provisional tax really means and how not to get caught out
💰 Why most tradies confuse profit with cashflow (and how to fix that)
💰 Luke’s “abundance” mindset and how it powers everything from Next Advisory to Boys Get Paid
💰 Real tax horror stories that could happen to anyone
💰 Alex asks the questions you're too embarrassed to raise with your accountant
Whether you're quoting jobs, running a crew, or just trying to get ahead — this episode delivers clarity, laughs, and a few wake-up calls.
He went viral for skulling the worst booze on Facebook. Now he’s a professional gambler, personal brand powerhouse, and sharp operator in the digital game. In this episode of The Puzzle Factory, Alex sits down with Matt Jordan — the man behind SPM — to unpack how he built a cult following, monetised chaos, and stepped away from full-time work in his early 30s.
🎯 How SPM became a nationwide brand
🎯 Building a loyal audience by being unapologetically real
🎯 Transitioning from entertainment to professional betting
🎯 Why Matt values connection over clout
🎯 Lessons on brand-building, risk-taking, and backing yourself
Whether you’re a tradie, content creator, or business owner — this one is packed with raw insight, laughs, and ideas that just might change how you show up online.
In this powerful relaunch of The Puzzle Factory, Alex sits down with David Baker, founder of Rapid QS — the estimating service shaking up the New Zealand construction industry. We dive deep into the broken state of trade pricing, including inflated quotes from government departments and why transparency in construction costs is long overdue.
✅ Why some government project rates are wildly inflated
✅ How Rapid QS is helping tradies quote smarter and win more jobs
✅ The real impact of bad pricing on electricians, builders, and project managers
✅ What David’s building next for the future of trade pricing in NZ and Worldwide
Whether you’re a sparky, builder, QS or business owner — this is essential listening if you care about pricing fair, quoting better, and running a more profitable business.
The Puzzle Factory Pod is back Bigger and Better!
We've got a new look, better production and the guests are next level.
Get amongst it!!!
We made it! In this season finale of The Puzzle Factory, Tait and I look back on an incredible first season—nearly 8,000 listens and views across platforms! We dive into the steep learning curve of launching a podcast, share what we’ve learned along the way, and, most importantly, thank all of you—our listeners and amazing guests.As a special thank you, we’re giving away 2x Mayhem Fishing Lures to the first two comments on Spotify or YouTube!Tune in for our Season 1 wrap-up, and get ready for even bigger things ahead in Season 2.🎣 Want to win? Drop a comment now!podcast@nztradegroup.co.nz
Guest: Mike “Mugsy” Mugglestone – Director, Full Power Electrical (Warkworth)
This week on The Puzzle Factory, we’re joined by Mike “Mugsy” Mugglestone, the man behind Full Power Electrical in Warkworth. After relocating and starting his business in the area 8 years ago, Mugsy has steadily grown it into a well-known name in the trade.
We dig into what it takes to establish yourself in a new town, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how to navigate the day-to-day mental challenges that come with running a trade business. Oh—and we chat about that viral moment when a dolphin launched itself onto Mugsy’s boat during a fishing competition, which made international headlines.
Inside this episode:
⚡️ How to build and grow a trade business in a new area
⚡️ Lessons from 8 years in business—what worked, what didn’t
⚡️ Managing mental health in the trades, realistically
⚡️ The wild dolphin story that went global
⚡️ Worksite yarns that’ll have you laughing out loud
Why listen?
Whether you’re building your own business, looking for trade insights, or just keen for a good story, Mugsy brings the goods—real talk, hard-earned wisdom, and plenty of laughs.
Episode 8: How to Quote an Electrical Job with Alex Hulme
Pricing electrical work isn’t just about throwing out a number—it’s about accuracy, profitability, and making sure you’re not selling yourself short. In this episode, host Alex Hulme gives a candid, no-nonsense take on how he approaches quoting, packed with practical advice you can put into action straight away.
What You’ll Learn :
⚡ What information you need
📋 Getting material pricing from the suppliers
💡 How to structure a quote
🔍 Tips and tricks so you don't make the same mistakes I have
This episode is full of gems that will help you refine your quoting process, charge what you're worth, and ultimately, grow your business.
About the Host:
With 20 years in the electrical industry, Alex Hulme has worked as an electrician, project manager, estimator, and even as the director of a successful electrical business. He knows first-hand the challenges of pricing jobs effectively and shares real-world strategies to help tradies quote smarter and win more work.
🎧 Tune in now and level up your quoting game!
#ThePuzzleFactory #NZElectrician #ElectricalQuotes #TradeBusiness #SparkyLife
The Puzzle Factory - Episode 7
🎙 Guest: Paul Sievers – Devonport Electrical
Episode Summary:
Ever been burned by a “guaranteed leads” digital marketing promise? Or wondered why NZ’s electrical apprenticeship system feels a bit… outdated? This week, Paul Sievers from Devonport Electrical joins Alex to expose the biggest traps tradies fall into, why apprenticeships need an overhaul, and a sneaky hazard lurking under the bed.
Yep, we’re going there. From overpriced Google Ads to dodgy apprenticeships and phones that could (literally) shock you, this episode is packed with real talk, expert insights, and a few solid laughs.
What’s Inside?
🔹 The truth about digital marketing for tradies—what works & what’s a scam
🔹 NZ’s electrical apprenticeship system: where it fails & how to fix it
🔹 Why your phone might be more dangerous than the wiring you’re working on
🔹 The fine line between tech convenience and liability in a client’s home
🔹 Practical tips to protect your business, your tools, and your sanity
About Paul:Paul Sievers is the kind of sparky who’s seen it all—good jobs, bad jobs, and enough marketing horror stories to write a book. With years in the trade, he’s got sharp insights into business growth, training the next generation, and keeping yourself out of trouble on the job.
https://devonportelectrical.co.nz/
📩 Got feedback or want to be on the show? Email us at podcast@nztradegroup.co.nz
⭐ Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!
The Puzzle Factory - Episode 6
Guest: Ronnie Tan – Creditworks
Episode Summary: In business, trust is everything—but how do you know if a customer is actually good for it? This week, Alex sits down with Ronnie Tan from Creditworks, a commercial credit expert who helps businesses navigate financial transparency, avoid bad debts, and stay ahead of financial risks.
But it’s not just about numbers—this episode takes an unexpected detour into deep-sea cod 🐟, uncovering the untapped potential of New Zealand’s natural economy. From business credit to the deep ocean, this one’s packed with insights, unexpected twists, and a few good laughs.
But that’s not all—somehow, this episode takes a big detour into deep sea cod 🐟 and the untapped potential of New Zealand’s natural assets. From the depths of the ocean to the depths of the balance sheet, this one is packed with insights, unexpected twists, and a few good laughs along the way.
What’s Inside?
🔹 How to vet your customers before they cost you money
🔹 Why business transparency = business success
🔹 The credit risks most NZ businesses overlook
🔹 A deep dive (literally) into New Zealand’s oceans and natural economy
🔹 The unexpected connection between business finance and deep sea fishing
About Ronnie: Ronnie is the guy you want on your side before things go wrong—a no-BS commercial credit expert helping businesses navigate financial risks and credit transparency. With years of experience in construction and trade, he knows exactly where businesses trip up—and how to avoid it.
Website: Creditworks
Got Feedback or Want to Be on the Show?📩 Hit us up at podcast@nztradegroup.co.nz
💡 Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!
Blackout Electric - Episode 5
Guest: Seb Weaver – Blackout Electric
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Alex sits down with long-time friend andBlackout Electric owner, Seb Weaver, for a conversation packed with laughs, business insights, and a deep dive into what it takes to build a standout family business. From carving out a unique space in the market to creating branding that resonates, Seb reveals the secrets behindBlackout Electric’s success—and the lessons he’s learned along the way. If you're looking to start your own business or just want to hear what it's really like behind the scenes, this episode is a must-listen!
About Seb:
Seb is the owner ofBlackout Electric, a business that’s quickly making a name for itself with standout branding and top-notch service. In this episode, he shares the highs, the lows, and all the laughs in between.
Website :Blackout Electric
Want to get in touch and give us your feedback or be a guest on the show?
Get in touch at:
podcast@nztradegroup.co.nz
The Puzzle Factory - Episode 4
Guest: Matt Melville - Rum and Que
Episode Summary:
In this episode, we catch up with Matt Melville, the founder ofRum and Que.Matt and Alex talk about his journey emigrating from Australia, working as a sparky, to starting a BBQ comp team, and finally turning his passion into a full-time business. Now,Rum and Que is a huge success, and Matt’s story is all about following your passion and making it happen. We also share a few laughs and reminisce on some mischief from our past—after all, we’ve been mates for years!
About Matt Melville:
Matt Melville is the founder ofRum and Que, a popular BBQ brand in NZ. Originally from Australia, Matt moved to NZ, worked as an electrician, and eventually found his love for BBQ. After starting a BBQ competition team, he turned that passion into a business. Today,Rum and Que is one of NZ's most loved BBQ brands, and Matt’s journey is a true inspiration.
Want to know more about Rum and Que?
Discount Code for 10% of atwww.rumandque.com - NZTG10
