Most tradies think working more hours means more profit — but as Nathaniel from Whitelock Electrical discovered, it’s actually about working smarter.
In this episode, Nathaniel joins Ali, TSA’s Accounting Coach, to unpack how he turned his service-based electrical business into a well-oiled, profitable machine — without burning out himself or his team.
Together, they break down the key systems and habits that separate a busy business from a profitable one, including:
✅ The real meaning of efficiency (and how to measure it)
✅ Scheduling and capacity management that protect profit and your team
✅ How to use your financial data as a feedback loop — not a fear trigger
✅ The Shopping List Pricing System in action
✅ Why investing in systems, software, and coaching pays off
If you’re a tradie trying to juggle the tools, quotes, and cash flow — this episode will help you find your rhythm, protect your margins, and scale with confidence.
🎧 Tune in to hear how small operational tweaks can create big financial wins.
_____________________________________________Trade business growth, tradie success, business efficiency for tradies, electrical business systems, pricing for tradies, Shopping List Pricing System, cost of operations, profitability in trades, grow your trade business, time freedom for tradies, service-based trades, Tradies Success Academy podcast, tradie coaching, operations and systems, business coaching for electricians.
Most tradies think waiting until they’re “ready” is the safe move.
But playing it safe is exactly what keeps you stuck on the tools and capped in growth.
In this episode, Andrew Hicks from Discover Electrical shares his raw journey of starting his electrical business with almost nothing, taking big risks when others told him not to, and building a culture that attracts the right people.
Here’s what you’ll hear:
🔧 Why Andrew chose to start Discover Electrical before he felt “ready”.
💡 How he hired his first tradesman with only 7 weeks’ wages saved.
👊 The risks, pressure, and overwhelm that came with backing himself.
👥 Why transparency and culture have been his biggest assets.
📈 How he went from one van to a growing team in just 18 months.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s safer to wait until you’re ready to hire, invest, or scale — this episode will show you why that mindset will keep you stuck.
👉 Want to build a business that works without you? Learn more at tradies-success-academy.com
This might be one of the most important videos I’ve made for the Academy.I’ve been talking to both sides:
✅ Members scaling fast (from $250K to $3M+ and even $11M+)❌ And members who’ve cancelled because they’re “too busy” or “no money”What’s the difference?It’s not skill.It’s not luck.It’s awareness.In this video, I break down:
If you feel stuck, broke, or burnt out — don’t run from this.Lean in. Watch this. Take notes. And commit to mastering what matters.Want to learn more? Let's go - https://www.tradies-success-academy.com/
From working out of a Mazda 3 with a paper diary to running a team with 5 vans, 3 A-grades, and a game-changing admin — Lani’s journey is a raw look at what it really takes to grow a trade business.
In this episode, Lani opens up about the setbacks of raising a young family while building a business, the mistakes she made with hiring, and the turning point that freed her up to actually scale.
She shares how culture, RDOs, and team bonding have helped her keep staff for 4+ years, why finding the right admin changed everything, and how she’s now building a business that supports both her crew and her life as a present parent.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the grind or guilty about choosing between family and business, Lani’s story proves that change is possible with the right support and systems.
Follow the crew on Instagram, Facebook, & TikTok.
When Todd first joined the Academy, he was at breaking point — burnt out, buried in admin, and stuck on the tools. For 10 years, he worked himself into the ground, thinking hard work alone would create freedom. It didn’t.
In this episode, Todd shares how he went from exhaustion to expansion by making key hires, putting in systems, and learning the real cost of cheap labour. From understanding his cost of operations to mastering recruitment ads with AI, Todd reveals the mindset and operational changes that bought him his time back — and how he’s now testing his business by stepping away for four weeks.
Whether you’re stuck doing it all yourself, worried about hiring, or afraid to raise your prices, Todd’s story will show you what’s possible when you put the right people, systems, and mindset in place.
Learn more about the Tradies Success Academy and how you too can level up your business — head to our website now and book your free strategy session with one of our expert coaches! Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
www.tradies-success-academy.com
Are you stuck on the tools and struggling to grow your trade business? In this game-changing session, Greg Allan breaks down the Multiplier Effect—the single most powerful concept to understand how your time impacts profit, growth, and freedom.💥 Discover:Why working on the tools keeps you stuckHow to delegate low-impact tasksWhat roles in your business create 1x, 3x, and even 10x growthThe secret to scaling without burning outThis isn’t just theory—it’s the exact strategy that’s helped hundreds of trade business owners reclaim their time, hire with purpose, and build businesses that work without them.📲 Learn more at https://www.tradies-success-academy.com/
This might be one of the most important videos I’ve made for the Academy.I’ve been talking to both sides —✅ Members scaling fast (from $250K to $3M+ and even $11M+)❌ And members who’ve cancelled because they’re “too busy” or “no money”What’s the difference?It’s not skill.It’s not luck.It’s awareness.In this video, I break down:
If you feel stuck, broke, or burnt out — don’t run from this.Lean in. Watch this. Take notes. And commit to mastering what matters.Want to learn more? Let's go - https://www.tradies-success-academy.com/
In this session, Greg Allan breaks down the Scaling Framework—a simple but powerful way to understand the ups and downs of growth in your trade business. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of “busy → hire hesitation → slowdown,” this is for you.You’ll learn:Why proactive hiring unlocks consistent growthHow owner capacity affects work generationWhat a true scaling business looks likeThe mindset shift required to break the feast-and-famine cycleThis framework is essential for tradies who want to get off the tools and into real business leadership.
From $700K to over $11 million — Ben Doran’s journey is one of the biggest success stories inside the Academy.
In this third sit-down with Greg, Ben shares the raw truth about what it takes to scale fast, build a strong team, and step out of the day-to-day. From losing staff after a merger to hiring a GM, and now gearing up for $20 million — this is the real talk every tradie business owner needs to hear.
Whether you're just starting out or stuck on the tools, this episode will show you what’s possible when you back yourself, take risks, and build the right support around you.
Learn more about the Tradies Success Academy and how you too can level up your business, head to our website now and book your free strategy session with one of our expert coaches! Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Tiktok.
This week on the podcast, Jack chats with our accountancy coach, Chantel, about the financial foundations every trade business owner needs to understand.
They dive into the importance of knowing your true costs, managing billable hours, and planning for seasonality to avoid cash flow surprises. Chantel shares insights on common financial pitfalls, the impact of hiring at the right time, and how small efficiency improvements can lead to massive gains.
If you're looking to take control of your numbers and make smarter business decisions, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you scale sustainably.
Learn more about the Tradies Success Academy and how you too can level up your business, head to our website now and book your free strategy session with one of our expert coaches! Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Tiktok.
In this week's episode, Greg and Tradies Success Coach Leanne explore:
They emphasise the need for community support and the significance of finding mentors who understand the unique challenges of business ownership.
In this conversation, Leanne and Greg discuss the complexities of business growth, focusing on the importance of strategic hiring, understanding one's role as a business owner, and the evolution of leadership dynamics. They emphasise the need for intentional hiring practices, the significance of mapping the customer journey, and how effective leadership can enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
This week on the podcast, Dean Streater from G&D Electrical Services joins Greg to discuss the challenges faced in the electrical services business, particularly focusing on transitioning from traditional methods to modern technology. Dean shares his experiences of managing a family business, the importance of team dynamics, and the necessity of adapting to change for growth. They emphasise the significance of communication, culture, and preparation for future challenges in business operations. In this conversation, Greg Allan and Dean Streater discuss the challenges and strategies in managing business cycles, the importance of technology and team dynamics, the role of virtual assistants, fostering team morale, learning from hiring mistakes and navigating family relationships in business. Dean shares his experiences and insights on how to effectively manage demand fluctuations, improve team efficiency, and create a positive work culture.
Learn more about the Tradies Success Academy and how you too can level up your business, head to our website now and book a demo! Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Tiktok.
Learn more about Dean Streator and G&D Electrical Services by checking out their website and following them on Instagram.
Jamie Mushin, TSA coach and specialist in people management, joins us this week on the podcast. He and Greg delve into the intricacies of team management, focusing on the challenges of navigating change, the importance of effective communication, and the impact of one-on-one conversations on team performance. They explore the resistance to change often faced by tradies and the necessity of building genuine connections with team members and clients. The discussion emphasises the role of emotional intelligence and mindfulness in leadership, advocating for a proactive approach to managing relationships within a business.
If you're already a member of the academy, be sure to book a session with Jamie to explore people management further and gain tangible takeaways specific to your business.
If you're keen to learn more about the Tradies Success Academy and how you too can level up your business like the thousands of other trade business owners we've helped, head to our website now and request a call from our team!
Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Tiktok.
In this conversation, Jack Tuffley shares his journey from being a young apprentice in the construction industry to becoming a business owner at the age of 23. He discusses the challenges he faced, the importance of building a supportive team, and the realisations he had during his first six months in business. Jack emphasises the significance of communication, respect, and collaboration within his team, as well as his aspirations for the future, including achieving a work-life balance that allows him to enjoy personal time with his partner.
Learn more about the Tradies Success Academy and how you too can level up your business, head to our website now and book a demo! Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Tiktok.
Learn more about Jack Tuffley and Tuff Built Constructions Group by checking out their website and following them on Instagram.
In this week's episode of the Tradies Success Podcast Nathaniel Whitelock from Whitelock Electrical discusses the challenges of transitioning from a sole trader to a business owner, emphasising the importance of letting go of responsibility, the value of a solid apprenticeship, and the significance of hiring the right people.
Nathaniel shares insights on the mindset shift required to manage a business effectively and the impact of establishing clear company values. The discussion also highlights the importance of trials in hiring and the emotional and financial costs associated with hiring the wrong person.
Learn more about the Tradies Success Academy and how you too can level up your business, head to our website now and book a demo! Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Tiktok.
Learn more about Nathaniel Whitelock and Globe Painting Solutions by checking out their website and following them on Instagram.
In this week's episode, Greg is joined by Josh Conti, owner of Globe Painting Solutions. Josh shares his story of starting his own painting business and the importance of quality work, and the challenges of running a trade business. They discuss the significance of preparation in painting, effective communication with builders, and the need for strategic planning in business. Josh shares his personal experiences with health challenges and how they impacted his business, as well as the importance of finding fulfillment outside of work. The conversation emphasizes the need for sustainability in business practices and the importance of having systems in place to ensure long-term success.
Learn more about the Tradies Success Academy and how you too can level up your business, head to our website now and book a demo! Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Tiktok.
Learn more about Joshua Conti and Globe Painting Solutions by following them on Facebook or Instagram.
In this week's episode, Greg is joined by Product Manager for KingGee Matt Simons. Matt shares with us the rich history of KingGee in Australia and how they started out.
Over the years, King G has embraced innovation in workwear, incorporating synthetic fabrics that are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and durable. The brand has also focused on incorporating stretch panels, impact-resistance foam, and other technologies into their boots to provide comfort and safety.
Keen to try out some KingGee products for yourself or your team? Use the code ‘TSA20’ to get 20% off your purchase.
This promo code is valid until Oct 31st 2024, for Australian customers only, and must be applied at checkout. (Exclusions may apply, including gift cards.)
Find out more about KingGee and their workwear via their website here or follow them on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.
Learn more about the Tradies Success Academy and how you too can level up your business, head to our website now and book a demo! Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Tiktok.
This week we are joined by Ryan Halangahu from Multisparx Electrical and Air Con in Sydney. For the past few months, Ryan and his partner Molly have been travelling around Australia running the business remotely from the road. Ryan shares his journey of navigating the challenges of running a business, particularly focusing on staffing issues, the impact of travel on operations, and the lessons learned from partnerships. He emphasizes the importance of working ON the business rather than IN it, and how his recent travels allowed him to implement new systems and structures.
Ryan also discusses the significance of professionalism in branding, the dynamics of hiring and team management, and the value of flexibility in adapting to change. He concludes with advice for aspiring business owners, highlighting the importance of backing one's worth and the long-term nature of building a successful business.
Learn more about the Tradies Success Academy and how you too can level up your business, head to our website now and book a demo! Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Tiktok.
Learn more about Multisparx Electrical and Air Con via their website here and follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
This week on the podcast Greg is joined by Josh Barrack from Barrack Electrical in Mayfield NSW. Josh shares his journey of starting his own electrical business after working for the same company for years.
He discusses the challenges of transitioning from employee to business owner and the importance of making big decisions and implementing critical systems.
Josh emphasises the need for strong people and organisational skills to manage a team and run a profitable project. He also highlights the impact of having a support network and learning from others' experiences.
Learn more about the Tradies Success Academy and how you too can level up your business, head to our website now and book a demo! Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Tiktok.
Learn more about Barrack Electrical via their website here and follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
This week on the podcast Martin Lockhart discusses his biggest challenge of hiring the wrong ops manager and the lessons he learned from it. He shares the importance of proper onboarding and aligning values with new hires.
Martin also talks about his journey into the plumbing industry, starting his own business, and the overwhelming experience of the first few years. He highlights the need for conscious growth and systematisation to create freedom.
The conversation also touches on the challenges of managing people and the importance of communication and praise. Martin and Greg discuss the challenges and lessons learned in hiring an operations manager.
Martin shares his experience of losing key team members and the stress it caused, but also the growth and resilience that came from those challenges. They emphasise the importance of setting goals and timeframes to push oneself and the benefits of taking holidays to motivate systemisation and improve the business.
Learn more about the Tradies Success Academy and how you too can level up your business, head to our website now and book a demo! Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Tiktok.
Learn more about Alkimos Plumbing and Gas via their website here and follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
