Better Builder Podcast

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Better Builder Podcast

Better Studios

100 episodes

1 week ago

Send us a text This month, we sit down with Sam Paauwe, Massey High School Building Academy Prefect, to discuss the fast track to a building career. Sam explains how the Building Academy helped him gain nearly a quarter of his apprenticeship credits by building Kāinga Ora houses. He emphasises that the academy acts as a critical support system, giving students who struggled academically a chance to excel in a practical field they genuinely love. Listen as he shares his confidence on site and ...

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Send us a text This month, we sit down with Sam Paauwe, Massey High School Building Academy Prefect, to discuss the fast track to a building career. Sam explains how the Building Academy helped him gain nearly a quarter of his apprenticeship credits by building Kāinga Ora houses. He emphasises that the academy acts as a critical support system, giving students who struggled academically a chance to excel in a practical field they genuinely love. Listen as he shares his confidence on site and ...

Show more...

Episodes (20/100)

Better Builder Podcast

How This Builder Fast Tracked His Apprenticeship | Sam Paauwe BBA #13

Send us a text This month, we sit down with Sam Paauwe, Massey High School Building Academy Prefect, to discuss the fast track to a building career. Sam explains how the Building Academy helped him gain nearly a quarter of his apprenticeship credits by building Kāinga Ora houses. He emphasises that the academy acts as a critical support system, giving students who struggled academically a chance to excel in a practical field they genuinely love. Listen as he shares his confidence on site and ...

1 week ago

52 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

Christmas Awards Special 2025 | Better Builder Podcast #87

Send us a text As 2025 draws to a close, Brad is joined by Dan (Producer of Better Builder) to reflect on a landmark year. From the adrenaline of the podcast tour to the prestigious Better Builder Awards, they dive deep into the highs, the lows, and everything in between that defined the year for the community." Better Builder Podcast is made possible by our partners, Forte Forte - https://forte.co.nz/homeowners Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast ...

2 weeks ago

1 hour 16 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

How To Build A Successful Construction Business In Brisbane | (2025 Highlights) #86

Send us a text This special compilation episode features the best business insights from our recent Brisbane Builder Tour, highlighting five of the city's top custom builders: Seb Toscano, Charlie Mylne, Jarryd Duffy, Matt Grieve, and Caleb Adams. Hear how leaders stress the critical importance of setting firm boundaries with clients and maintaining a 12-14% net profit margin to avoid financial burnout. Jarryd Duffy and Matt Grieve detail how rigorous systems provide unparalleled project cont...

3 weeks ago

1 hour 2 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

What Architects Want In A Builder | Jeremy Chapman #85

Send us a text This week, we sit down with Jeremy Chapman, founder of JCA STUDIO, an award-winning Auckland-based practice committed to authentic and considered design. Drawing on his diverse background as a builder and furniture designer, Jeremy passionately argues that architectural plans are a graphic, artistic process that fundamentally dictates a house's final outcome. He dives into the complexity hidden within simplicity and why precision is non-negotiable when creating refined, trim-le...

1 month ago

1 hour 13 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

How to Design a Good Home | Craig Moller #84

Send us a text We sit down with Craig Moller, Director at Moller Architects, to discuss the deeper meaning behind design. With three decades of experience and a passion for crafting enduring spaces, Craig shares his wisdom on creating structures that truly "resonate" with occupants. This episode is a masterclass in architectural philosophy, emphasising the crucial connection between structure, design, and materiality. Don't miss Craig's invaluable perspective on managing the delicate balance ...

1 month ago

1 hour 4 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

How A Lone Wolf Became An Award Winning Architect | Jeremy Brick #83

Send us a text This week, we chat with Jeremy Brick from Studio Brick Architects, a design-led office renowned for its elegant, creative, and considered architectural solutions across all projects. Jeremy's practice is focused on delivering a comprehensive client experience, offering services from initial design through to construction observation. In this episode, Jeremy opens up about the 'rollercoaster' of workload and the constant challenge of finding work-life balance while working the '...

1 month ago

1 hour 9 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

How To Teach High Schoolers How to Build | Luke Kanuta #BBA 12

Send us a text This month, we sit down with Luke Kanuta, one of the key teachers in charge of the innovative Building Academy at Massey High School. Luke talks about how they are transforming young lives through construction. The Building Academy is a unique, one-year, full-time program that creates genuine opportunities for students by having them build a three-bedroom, 100m² house on site. Luke shares how the academy uses purpose, mentorship, and practical experience to transform stud...

1 month ago

56 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

Construction Lawyer’s Advice On How To Get Paid On Time | Finn Collins #82 (Reupload)

Send us a text We are revisiting a classic episode to help secure your business and cash flow in these tough economic times. We welcome back Finn Collins, a leading barrister specialising in complex construction and property disputes. He provides actionable advice on structuring contracts to ensure you get paid what you've earned. This powerful and insightful episode is a must-listen! Better Builder Podcast is made possible by our partners, Forte Forte - https://forte.co.nz/homeowners S...

1 month ago

1 hour 8 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

NZ Architect Shortlisted for International Architecture Award | Chris Tate #81

Send us a text Join us this week on the Better Builder podcast as we sit down with Chris Tate, an Architectural Designer known for creating buildings of unique modernity and daring imagination. Chris shares his unconventional journey and discusses his philosophy where "less is more" is the mantra and the site's beauty is the maximum priority. We revisit his career-defining first project, the iconic "Forest House," and dive into the complexities of coastal designs like the "Bunker House...

2 months ago

1 hour 11 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

Figuring Out The Business Side Of Running A Building Company | Dan Hawke-Mills #80

Send us a text Join us this week on the Better Builder podcast with Dan Hawke-Mills, Co-Director of Downright Construction. Dan offers a transparent look at navigating the building world, admitting he and his partner spent the first few years "winging it" and lacked fundamental business systems. He shares how his past as a competitive bodybuilder instilled the discipline and determination required to push through the current economic slowdown, even if it meant taking on smaller jobs that "hur...

2 months ago

1 hour 12 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

The Cost Of Biting More Than You Can Chew | Joel Macreadie #79

Send us a text Join us this week on the Better Builder podcast with Joel Macreadie, Director of Macreadie Builders. Joel talks about the shock of his tough apprenticeship and the steep learning curve when he started Macreadie Builders around age 24. He reveals his leadership secrets, including leading from the front by getting on the tools, fostering team buy-in through open conversation, and the positive impact of having female builders on site. This episode provides valuable business lesson...

2 months ago

1 hour 6 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

Commercial Builder Dabbles In Residential & Gets Burnt | Hamish Donnithorne #78

Send us a text Hamish gets brutally honest about the one mistake that almost broke his business: a massive fixed-price blunder on residential renovations. Learn his blueprint for strong systems, finding the right business partners, and empowering your team to scale successfully. ⁠ Better Builder Podcast is made possible by our partners, Forte Forte - https://forte.co.nz/homeowners Social Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbuilderpodcast Tiktok - https://www.tik...

2 months ago

1 hour 12 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

How To Nail Your Building Apprenticeship | Jason Goertzen BBA #11

Send us a text This month, we're joined by Jason Goertzen, a workplace apprenticeship educator at the Builders Academy. Join us as we dive into the harsh reality of what it means to be a qualified tradesman. Jason argues that your qualification is a "minimum standard, not a finish line," and reveals the critical skill needed to succeed—not hammer skills, but "learning how to learn." He shares the proven 10-minute daily study hack that separates disciplined apprentices from those who quit, cha...

2 months ago

1 hour 4 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

How To Make Profit Without Stress | David Stark #77

Send us a text Join us this week on the Better Builder podcast with David Stark, Founder of Stark Building. David, an award-winning builder, shares the mindset that drives his business, where his "I'll prove you wrong" attitude pushes him to work solo and make hard work look easy. He discusses the crucial role of luck in finding a good apprenticeship, the challenge of working with less "red tape" in London, and how he channels his competitive spirit into high-intensity endurance sports like I...

3 months ago

1 hour 4 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

A Builder’s Battle Against The Big Bureaucracy | Warren Adolph #76

Send us a text Join us this week on the Better Builder podcast with Warren Adolph, Founder of Warren Adolph Homes. With over 30 years in the industry, Warren shares the story of his incredible partnership, which began back in intermediate school, and how they built a successful, family-run business focused on quality. He speaks frankly about the immense frustration with government "help" that only adds to the "red tape" and bureaucracy faced by builders. Warren also challenges the "copout" na...

3 months ago

1 hour 3 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

The Untold Truth of Growing Too Fast | Marlon Cosmas #75

Send us a text Join us this week on the Better Builder podcast as we sit down with Marlon Cosmas, a co-director of Reside. With decades of experience in the industry, Marlon shares his honest story of how his successful London-based company "exploded" with work, becoming an "uncontrolled monster." He discusses the chaos of rapid growth and how it led him and his business partner to sell their business and move back to New Zealand. He also opens up about the cultural differences in building be...

3 months ago

1 hour 14 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

The Seismic Shift From Chippy to Building Business Owner | Jono Duxfield #74

Send us a text Join us this week on the Better Builder podcast as we sit down with Jono Duxfield, owner of JD Construction. Jono shares his story of leaving the family farm to become a builder and the lessons he learned working overseas. He opens up about the reality of being a "great builder" and the importance of relationships with clients and teams. This is a powerful episode about moving beyond the tools, finding a balance between work and family, and the true meaning of success. Better...

3 months ago

1 hour 8 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

How One Viral Video Changed A Tradies Life | Logan Dodds #73

Send us a text Join us this week on the Better Builder podcast as we sit down with Logan. In a raw and honest conversation, he shares how a tough time in his life gave him resilience and provided "amazing lessons" for the person he is today. He also discusses why he left the plumbing trade, and his journey to find a different kind of success beyond the tools. This is a powerful episode about overcoming adversity, challenging the traditional path, and the importance of self-identity. Better ...

3 months ago

58 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

Apprenticeships Are Earned Not Owed | Thomas Karanikolaou BBA #10

Send us a text On this month’s episode, we sit down with Thomas from Builders Blueprint. Thomas shares the culture he fosters with his apprentices and highlights the importance of keeping things old school. From his early days hustling to get onto a building site, to running a company focused on legacy homes for Pasifika and Māori families, Thomas opens up about what it takes to succeed in the trade. He talks about the difference between today’s apprentices and the old-school approach...

4 months ago

54 minutes

Better Builder Podcast

From Pro Footy Injury To Building A New Future | Matt Grieve #72

Send us a text Catch this week's episode of the Better Builder podcast with Matt Grieve, Director of Frameology. Matt shares his story of leaving a career as a professional athlete after an injury, and how that led to him building his first house and starting his own business. He opens up about the reality of his early mistakes, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and the value of creating strong systems and processes. Matt also discusses the mental and physical toll...

4 months ago

1 hour 16 minutes