Theo opens up about the darkest and most defining moments of his life — from losing a child and breaking his back to watching his business collapse and his marriage fall apart. What followed was a journey through pain, debt, and mental health struggles that would have broken most people. But instead of giving up, Theo rebuilt himself — piece by piece — proving that resilience isn’t about never falling, it’s about standing up every single time you do.Whether you’re in the trades, self-employed, or just fighting your own battles, this conversation will hit home. We dive deep into what it really means to struggle in silence, the pressure of being the provider, and how to find purpose again after losing everything. This is one of the most honest and emotional stories we’ve ever shared on the podcast — a must-watch for anyone who’s ever had to start over.

FROM ZERO TO 300K: How Social Media Built My Landscaping Business How do you turn a simple lawnmower and a dream into a massively successful landscaping business with over 300,000 social media followers? On this episode of the Train Legends podcast, we sit down with the visionary behind Hoskins Innovations. He takes us on his raw journey from leaving school and starting with a £150 loan for his first mower, through a challenging carpentry apprenticeship, to finding his true passion in landscaping. Get an inside look at the grit, mistakes, and pivotal lessons learned along the way, proving that you don't need to be academic to build a thriving, fulfilling trade business.We dive deep into the powerful strategies that fueled his growth, including his game-changing social media approach to building unparalleled customer trust. He shares invaluable, hard-won advice for aspiring tradespeople on everything from pricing jobs meticulously (without using square-meter rates) and the crucial payment structure that ensures steady cash flow, to the importance of having open conversations with clients about money. Whether you're a landscaper, a tradesperson, or an entrepreneur looking for motivation, this episode is packed with actionable insights on combining a strong work ethic with innovative business practices to build a brand.

In this week’s Trade Legends podcast episode, two powerhouse guests share their incredible journeys from humble beginnings to industry success. Laura Jane Clark, the BBC architect who transformed underground toilets into stunning living spaces, opens up about her creative process, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, and how design can be both bold and practical. Alongside her, Jimmy, the founder of CT1, reveals how he turned a small idea into one of the UK’s most trusted construction brands through sheer determination and innovation.Together, Laura and Jimmy discuss the reality of starting from scratch, learning from failure, and staying authentic in a fast-changing world. Their stories highlight the importance of resilience, creativity, and believing in your vision — whether you’re building homes, brands, or careers. If you love stories about entrepreneurship, architecture, innovation, or women in trades, this episode will leave you inspired to start small and dream big.#homerenovation #construction #plumbing #ct1 #business #bbc #tradelegends

In this episode, we have Mark Marshall, whose story is as raw as it is inspiring. From a rebellious teen forced to repair a farmer’s land to becoming one of the UK’s most recognisable names in landscaping and social media, Mark’s journey is a testament to grit, reinvention, and passion. He opens up about losing loved ones, battling burnout, and the powerful decision to turn pain into purpose through creativity.We dive deep into the realities behind “influencer” life — from lengthy brand negotiations with giants like Makita and NatWest, to the unseen hours, pressure, and reinvention it takes to stay relevant. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or someone chasing your next chapter, this episode proves that success isn’t about where you start, but how you keep evolving.

What happens when two builders go from living in a caravan with £20 in the bank to running one of the biggest trade brands in the UK, and accidentally buy a stolen house along the way? In this wild, brutally honest episode of Trade Legends, Brad and Sam, aka The Bald Builders, reveal everything. From losing a million pounds, living in a caravan, and rebuilding their empire from scratch, to running a national radio show and dodging Ofcom complaints, this episode is chaos in the best possible way.We dive into their viral KFC prank that racked up 17 million minutes of watch time, the egos that nearly destroyed them, and the secret that almost got them banned from radio. You’ll laugh, cringe, and probably rethink how you handle success.Stick around till the end, there’s a shocking story about an online stalker, family drama, and the moment they realised fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.🔥 This might be the most unfiltered, jaw-dropping builder story we have ever heard.

`After sixteen years in the construction industry, Sammi lost her job overnight. At the same time, she was living with type 1 diabetes through the chaos of COVID, trapped at home and terrified to step outside. Anxiety took over. Life as she knew it stopped.But what happened next changed everything.From her kitchen table, surrounded by boxes, heat presses and scraps of fabric, Sammi started making hoodies and workwear for friends. That side hustle turned into Branded by Sammi, now one of the most recognisable names in the UK construction and workwear community.In this episode, Sammi talks openly about the reality of losing everything, rebuilding from nothing, and finding purpose again. She shares her experience growing up around construction, the fear of starting over, the moment her anxiety almost stopped her from leaving her car, and the robust support network that helped her turn it all around.This conversation is raw, honest and inspiring, a reminder that even when you’re at your lowest, you can still create something extraordinary.

In this episode of the Trade Legends podcast, we sit down with Ashley Macintosh of A&E 88 Macintosh to discuss his journey building a highly successful exterior cleaning business and launching his "General Pressure Washing Business" training course. Ashley campaigns for exterior cleaning to be taken seriously as a major trade, highlighting the massive potential to earn excellent money. He reveals how a subtle. The branding shift from being a simple window cleaner to a specialist exterior cleaning business dramatically changed customer perception, allowing him to command higher prices for services like roof cleaning and driveway restoration. Ashley emphasises that success in this field is less about the equipment and more about strategic marketing, sales approach, and brand perception. He explains that window cleaning acts as a powerful "subscription service," providing steady, recurring income that can be leveraged to seamlessly upsell higher-ticket jobs to an existing base of trusted customers. Ashley also shares the power of using video on your website and social media for business as a key portfolio tool to show the amazing before-and-after transformation of cleaning jobs without having to hard-sell clients.

Topics covered in this episode:-

• Legitimise Exterior Cleaning.

• Rebrand to Charge More.

• Window Cleaning = Recurring Income.

• Marketing is Better Than Equipment.

• Use Video to Sell Effortlessly.

In this episode of the Trade Legends Podcast, we sit down with Gemma, a talented mural artist who turned a lockdown hobby into a thriving creative business. From painting small canvases at home to creating large-scale murals for salons, gyms, and commercial spaces, Gemma shares her inspiring journey of how art transformed her life. She opens up about the story behind her first viral TikTok mural that gained millions of views and the online abuse that almost made her quit social media, while also discussing the challenges of pricing custom murals, handling unusual client requests, and staying creative while running a business. Throughout the conversation, Gemma gives valuable advice for aspiring artists who want to follow their passion, build a career in the arts, and use social media to grow their audience.

👉 Topics covered in this episode:

• Discovering a passion for art during lockdown

• Going viral when celebrities shared her paintings

• Building a social media presence from scratch

• Making the leap from leisure & tourism to self-employment

• Turning mural painting into a full-time career

In this episode of Trade Legends, we sit down with Renovate with Emma and Gio to hear two inspiring journeys into the trades and construction industry.

Emma shares her path from law school and corporate PR into property renovation, sourcing, and lettings in Aberdeen, including how she taught herself tiling, painting, and DIY skills through YouTube and social media. She talks about turning passion projects into a full-time business, working with brands, and her creative approach to making rental properties stand out.

Gio brings a wealth of experience from family construction businesses, sales, and scaling trade companies. He explains the challenges of rapid growth, the importance of systems, and how he helps tradespeople avoid common pitfalls with the GRFT Academy — a platform designed to help builders, plumbers, electricians, and other trades grow sustainable businesses.

👉 Topics covered in this episode:

🔨 Trade Legends – the podcast for tradesmen, tradeswomen, and the construction industry.

Why do plumbers always make this mistake? In this episode of Trade Legends, Mike from Salamander Pumps explains the most common pump installation errors, why they happen, and how to avoid them. From shower pump failures to boosting mains pressure, we break down what plumbers get wrong, the right way to install pumps, and how tools like Salamander’s HomeBoost, TankBoost, and AquaScan are changing the trade.Whether you’re a plumber, apprentice, or homeowner dealing with low water pressure, this episode gives you the knowledge to save time, money, and costly call-backs.

In this episode of Trade Legends, Mark chats with Dean Franklin, 2025 winner of The Apprentice and co-founder of ADL Air Conditioning. From flipping PlayStations at 13 to launching a booming business in lockdown, Dean shares his wild journey, raw hustle, and that viral interview moment.He risked it all for a £250K investment — and won. For grafters, dreamers, or future Apprentice stars, this one’s unmissable.

In this episode of Trade Legends, we sit down with Stacey (“Stick”) and Jack from Trademark Digital, who share their incredible journey from the trades to running a standout marketing agency built with heart and authenticity. They open up about the challenges of working in the construction and trade industries, the lessons they’ve learned, and how their passion for helping small businesses thrive sets them apart.

Jack’s personal story takes a moving turn as he talks about suffering a stroke while building his career and how that life-changing moment forced him to pivot and rethink his future. Stacey shares how she found her calling, blending creativity with hands-on industry knowledge, and together they reveal the grit, resilience, and humour that fuel their partnership. This is a raw, inspiring conversation about building something meaningful, overcoming adversity, and staying true to your values—one that anyone in the trade or small business world needs to hear.

In this episode of Trade Legends, we’re joined by Ryan from Mirka, the globally recognised Finnish brand behind some of the most advanced abrasives and sanding tools used across a wide range of industries. Whether it’s in automotive body shops, marine and yacht building, woodworking, or professional decorating, Mirka has become synonymous with high-performance, purpose-built equipment trusted by tradespeople around the world.

Ryan takes us through the brand’s incredible history, from its early days to its expansion across over 17 countries, and explains why Mirka’s all-in-one approach to tools and abrasives makes it unique in the market. We also dive into the company's exciting new product launches, including cordless innovations, upgraded dust extractors, and Mirka’s growing commitment to sustainability. Plus, Ryan offers practical advice on how tradespeople can try before they buy with on-site demos, making high-end equipment more accessible than ever.

Whether you're a seasoned decorator, a car enthusiast, or simply someone who values quality tools and smart design, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a true industry leader tick.

In this episode of Trade Legends, we sit down with Andrew, a seasoned HVAC professional from Australia, to explore his journey through four decades in the trade. He shares how he fell into the industry almost by accident, what kept him passionate over the years, and how the HVAC landscape has changed both in Australia and globally. Andrew offers invaluable advice for young people considering a trade career, emphasising the importance of curiosity, hands-on experience, and finding work that genuinely sparks your interest. His perspective highlights how vocational paths can lead not just to stable employment, but to a deeply fulfilling life and career.The episode also delves into Andrew’s accidental leap into product innovation. What started as a simple idea to make installations cleaner and faster grew into a bracket system that’s now gaining international attention. He explains the problem it solved, the process of testing and refining it within his own team, and how the demand from contractors and consultants led to its eventual commercialisation. With backing from Aspen Pumps and strong interest from the UK and US markets, Andrew reflects on the journey so far, the potential global impact of the product, and what the future may hold for both his business and the HVAC trade as a whole.

In this episode of the Trade Legends podcast, we sit down with Ryan O'Sullivan, founder of the Ry Group, to hear his honest and inspiring story—from struggling in school to building a successful multi-trade business with over 30 staff. Ryan talks about how he navigated early challenges with education, a derailed football career, and eventually found his place in the trades, starting with an apprenticeship at British Gas and launching his own company at just 20 years old.We dive into how the Ry Group grew from a one-man band to a full team of plumbers, electricians, gas engineers, and more. Ryan shares the highs and lows of scaling a business, including learning to delegate, managing staff, adapting to new tech, and staying profitable in a constantly changing industry. He also offers valuable advice for tradespeople looking to grow, whether you're just starting out or trying to scale up.This episode covers everything from mental health and work-life balance to exercise, family, and Ryan's future goals, including expanding the Ry Group nationwide and launching Trade Gains, a new platform to help tradespeople build better businesses.Packed with real insights, straight-talking advice, and a few laughs, this is a must-watch for anyone in the trades or thinking of going out on their own.

In this gripping podcast episode, we’re joined by two frontline officers from the Metropolitan Police to delve into the growing problem of tool theft across the UK. With thousands of tradespeople falling victim to stolen tools each year, we explore what the police are doing to tackle the issue. From unregulated car boot sales and organised criminal networks, to how forensic tool marking is leading to real convictions, we unpack the reality behind the headlines.

We’re also joined by Clair from SelectaDNA, a leader in forensic marking technology, who explains how this innovative approach is helping to trace and recover stolen tools, while supporting successful prosecutions. This episode shows how tradespeople, police forces, local authorities and businesses can come together to fight back against tool theft and restore confidence in the system.

Whether you’re a builder, electrician, plumber or anyone whose livelihood depends on your tools, this is an essential watch. We discuss real-life cases, police operations, and how simple actions like tool marking are having a powerful impact.

Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more discussions on tool security, crime prevention, and how to protect your trade.

EXPOSED - Tool Theft Crime Wave at car boot sales with Rob JenrickIn this powerful new episode of the Trade Legends Podcast, we’re taking you inside the Houses of Parliament for an important and eye-opening conversation with Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, Rob Jenrick, and trades campaigner Shoaib the Gas Expert. This episode marks a significant milestone in the fight against the tool theft epidemic, which continues to affect thousands of tradespeople across the UK.We sit down to discuss the scale of the problem—from tools being stolen out of vans and homes, to the shocking scenes at car boot sales where stolen equipment is being openly sold. Rob Jenrick shares how he got involved in the campaign, what he’s seen firsthand, and how he’s working in Parliament to push for stronger laws, tougher enforcement, and real consequences for offenders.Shoaib brings the on-the-ground reality, recounting stories from tradespeople who’ve had their livelihoods destroyed and explaining how forensic marking kits like SelectaDNA can help protect tools and support police investigations. Together, they talk about how tradespeople, police, MPs, and the wider public can come together to turn awareness into action.This episode is an honest look at a growing issue that affects real people, real businesses, and entire communities. If you're in the trade or care about protecting the people who keep the country running, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Please watch, share, and leave a comment. The more awareness we build, the more pressure we can put on those in power to act.

🔒 This Episode Will Save Your Tools! | Mundi Van SecurityIn this episode of the Trades Talk Podcast, we sit down with Graham Mundy, the founder of Mundy Van Security—the guy behind those now-famous van security cages making waves on social media.Graham shares his journey from infantry soldier to accidental inventor of a game-changing van security system after a mate's van was broken into. From building the first set of van gates on his driveway to running the most trusted van security company in 2024 with a 100% success rate so far, this is a wild ride of graft, grit, and smart engineering.We get into:His background in the army and the birth of the businessThe devastating tool thefts that sparked the ideaHow his van gates withstand 15+ minute attacks (even with grinders!)Why van manufacturers still aren’t doing enoughHis plans to scale and protect even more tradespeopleBehind the scenes of real-world testing and viral videosIf you're a tradesperson sick of tool theft, this is a must-watch. Graham’s invention could genuinely save your business.Subscribe now and drop your thoughts in the comments. Has your van been done? Would you trust these gates to protect your gear?

In this episode, we sit down with Kev, better known as Prestige Painter, an award-winning decorator with an inspiring story that spans professional football, high-level management, and a leap into entrepreneurship. Kev shares the raw truth about getting released from his football career at 18 and the emotional toll it took, before redirecting his drive into the automotive industry, rising through the ranks to become one of the youngest dealer principals in the country.But that wasn’t the end of his story. Realising he was missing time with his daughter and burned out from long hours, Kev made the bold decision to walk away and start over as a decorator. He reveals how he built a thriving business from scratch, leveraging social media, smart branding, and the lessons he learned from elite corporate environments to build Prestige Decorating into a respected name.We talk about his rise on Facebook and Instagram, the power of consistent professionalism, and the importance of mentoring the next generation of tradespeople. Kev also opens up about being approached by major brands, winning prestigious industry awards, and the priceless value of reputation and detail in the trades.Whether you're in the trades, thinking of a career pivot, or love a powerful story of resilience and reinvention, this episode is packed with wisdom, humour, and real talk.

In this episode, the Trade Legends team welcomes Lucy from the Installer Show and Adam from SOTA Electrical. Lucy shares her journey from journalism to becoming a key figure in trade events, highlighting her creation of the influential #TradesTalk Twitter community. She dives into the growth of the Installer Show, now spanning three halls and expanding internationally, with new shows in New York and Melbourne. The show promises exciting features this year, including a full-scale sustainable house build and a £10,000 giveaway.Adam also reflects on his hands-on journey from traditional electrical apprenticeships to running his own successful EV charging business. With candid stories about starting from scratch, transitioning into the domestic space, and the power of YouTube marketing, he emphasises the value of self-driven learning and building a personal brand. Both guests shed light on industry challenges, including regulation loopholes and the future of skilled trades, offering inspiration and real talk for anyone in or around the trades.