Built Different

Ready for a role reversal? In this episode, our co-host Simon switches sides of the mic to share his journey into the construction industry. At 31, Simon swapped spreadsheets for power tools to become a mature-age apprentice carpenter.   Join Ryan and Simon as they dive into the joys of becoming a tradie, chasing dreams, and the importance of 'sponge mode' in learning.   Explore what it takes to get a builder's license in QLD, the realities of a mature-age apprenticeship, and the crucial role of communication skills onsite.   Ready to build your dreams? Let's gooo! Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia Follow Simon: @simon.mee89  This episode is proudly sponsored by Ramset. Manufacturer and supplier to the Australian construction industry for over 70 years. Started in Australia. Still in Australia. Staying in Australia.  Visit ramset.com.au today.

Meet Oliver Saunders, a seasoned electrician and successful business owner of Saunders Electrical Group for over 6 years. Teetering on burnout, and working +15-hour days, he realised there had to be a better way to run his business. Join Oliver, Simon, and Ryan as they discuss his entry into electrical work, the grind of early career stages, and the pivotal moment he decided to get a business coach.   They also explore the balancing act of running a business and maintaining a healthy family life, the reality of near burnout, and the art of time blocking.  Plus, they shine a light on the different skills required for being on the tools vs running and owning a business, as well as Oliver's advice if you're considering starting your own venture.  Ready to spark your entrepreneurial spirit? Let's gooo! Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia Follow Oliver: @oliverjsaunders  Follow Saunders Electrical: @saunderselectrical This episode is proudly sponsored by Ramset. Manufacturer and supplier to the Australian construction industry for over 70 years. Started in Australia. Still in Australia. Staying in Australia.  Visit ramset.com.au today.

Is it time to rethink that meat pie and choccy milk every smoko break? Sometimes, being a successful tradie means taking care of your body and giving it everything it needs to excel on site, day in and day out.   Featuring Mackenzie Baker, a qualified nutritional coach who knows a thing or two about fuelling the body, tune in with Simon and Ryan as they discuss whether a meat pie is indeed the best smoko snack and explore small changes you can make that can lead to a healthier life.    Hear why an all-or-nothing mentality and strict dieting doesn't work, how to balance and flex your food intake, and what to expect when you're eating right (hint: it's not just about weight loss or gain).   This episode guarantees you to walk away with practical tools for fuelling your body right, so you can rock up to the worksite feeling your very best. Press play!   📸 Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia Follow Mackenzie: @mackenziebaker_ Got a topic you'd like covered in the show? DM us!  This episode is proudly sponsored by Ramset. Manufacturer and supplier to the Australian construction industry for over 70 years. Started in Australia. Still in Australia. Staying in Australia.  Visit ramset.com.au today.

In this episode, we're joined by the phenomenal Beth Merceica of Blue Eco homes in NSW, the hardworking 4th-year apprentice who was just crowned 2023 HIA Australian Apprentice of the Year. Hear about their inspiring journey of changing careers, discovering passion in building and construction, and what it feels like to win such a prestigious title.   You'll also discover what it takes to build a passive house, the challenges of constructing a 7-star house, and the innovations that drive sustainable building. Plus, learn about Blue Eco Homes' pre-fabrication system and finding fulfilment with volunteer work in third-world countries.   Ready to redefine the future of building? Strap yourself in for an ep that will show you what it takes to become a rising star in the industry. 🎥 Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia  📸 Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia Follow Beth: @chickenchippybuilds Follow Blue Eco Homes: @blueecohomes Got a topic you'd like covered in the show? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A group or DM us!  This episode is proudly sponsored by Ramset. Manufacturer and supplier to the Australian construction industry for over 70 years. Started in Australia. Still in Australia. Staying in Australia.  Visit ramset.com.au today.

In this episode, we're joined by Darren Brown, aka @AussieDeckingChippie, a once 'terrible apprentice' turned qualified chippy. With the right mindset and determination, he turned his fortunes around to become a decking master, now running a successful decking business with three teams.  Listen in as Darren, Simon, and Ryan dive into the benefits of carving out a niche in a big industry, the lessons learned from launching a business twice, and the dangers of scaling too fast. They also delve into the importance of understanding the materials you work with, and take a trip down memory lane with Ramset's old J20 concrete nailgun and how the new Frameboss XPM is an absolute time-saver on site.  Find out how Darren 'nailed it' to become the AussieDeckingChippie. 🎥 Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia  📸 Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia Follow Darren: @aussiedeckingchippie Got a topic you'd like covered in the show? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A group or DM us!  This episode is proudly sponsored by Ramset. Manufacturer and supplier to the Australian construction industry for over 70 years. Started in Australia. Still in Australia. Staying in Australia.  Visit ramset.com.au today.

Get ready for a legendary episode with Aimee Stanton, aka "The Lady Tradie" From her plumbing roots to co-founding Tiny Stays and Zadie Workwear, Aimee's mantra is that failure is just another stepping stone to success. In this ep, join Ryan & Simon as they dive deep into the importance of giving it your best shot, no matter the odds. Aimee's own journey, from school expulsion to overcoming her first turbulent week of apprenticeship, is proof that perseverance pays off. Aimee also shares her wisdom on diving into new ventures. Spoiler alert: If you don't do it now, you might never do it. So, gear up, step out of your comfort zone and just go for it! Tune in now for a few laughs, hit of inspiration, and all-round good vibe. Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia Follow Aimee: @aimeekatestanton Got a topic you'd like covered in the show? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A group or DM us! This episode is proudly sponsored by Ramset. Manufacturer and supplier to the Australian construction industry for over 70 years. Started in Australia. Still in Australia. Staying in Australia. Visit ramset.com.au today.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses issues related to mental health. In this raw and revealing episode, we chat with ex-carpenter turned tradie development coach, Aaron Huey. Having faced his own mental health challenges, Aaron is now on a mission to equip others in the industry with the tools they need to stay mentally fit. From simple breathing exercises to setting goals, he shares practical strategies to boost mental resilience. Aaron breaks down his 3-step strategy, offering listeners a valuable tool for tough times. But here's the real kicker - he dives into how changing your mindset can not only lead to a more fulfilling career in construction, but a happier life overall. You don't want to miss this if you're looking to strengthen your mental wellbeing and power through the rough patches. Your mind is the ultimate tool in your kit. So, join us as we smash through barriers and build bridges to mental strength with Coach Huey. Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia Follow Coach Huey: @aaron_wd_huey Got a topic you'd like covered in the show? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A group or DM us! If you, or someone you know is in need of mental health support, know that there is help available. Contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 to get help. This episode is proudly sponsored by Ramset. Manufacturer and supplier to the Australian construction industry for over 70 years. Started in Australia. Still in Australia. Staying in Australia. Visit ramset.com.au today.

une in for an unforgettable episode as we chat with Joey and Miles, high school mates turned business partners from East Elevation Construction. They share their inspiring journey how they turned their dreams into reality by diving headfirst into the building and construction industry, together.   Discover how they navigated the uncertainties of starting a business in challenging times and the courage it took to make that leap. They share the perks of being your own boss and achieving that elusive work-life balance while running a successful construction company.   Joey and Miles also delve into the importance of learning on the job, and what they look for in an apprentice.   Their story is a testament to the power of mateship and persistence. So, tune in as we unravel the journey of these high school mates turned successful business owners.    Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia  Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia   Follow East Elevation Construction: @eastelevationconstruction   Got a topic you'd like covered in the show? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A Facebook group or DM us on Instagram.

Raw, real, and relatable - this episode talks to Matt Findlay, a seasoned builder hailing from the South Coast of NSW who's here to hammer home some lessons from life and business.   Matt gets real about the rewarding 'I built that' feeling, a unique perk of residential building. He takes us on his journey into the family building business and how it shaped his approach and success in the industry.   But what keeps him going? Matt opens up about his 'keep on keepin' on' mentality, a mindset we could all learn from. Ready to get inspired and level-up your game?   Tune in and let Matt's story fuel your ambition.    Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia  Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia   Follow Matt:@findlayconstructions   Got a question that needs answering? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A Facebook group or DM us to submit.

What if the key to a fulfilling career was right in your tool belt?  In this episode we chat with Bardie Somerville about she how chooses to show up every single day and give her all, and how that ignited her passion for building. A game-changing young chippy, who’s infectious enthusiasm for having a crack at almost anything - Bardie's amassed a huge social media following by turning her passion for building into a thriving career.  In this candid conversation, Bardie shares her journey of discovering her passion, overcoming the ups and downs, and building mental resilience on site. We dive deep into the power of self-belief and the art of persevering through challenges.  She shares how she shows up every day, even when the going gets tough, and the importance of giving everything a crack. So, if you're ready to drill into your passion, tune in and get ready to be inspired.  This is an episode that'll make you believe in your ability to build a career you love.   Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia  Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia Follow Bardie: @bards.builds Follow The Shift: @theshiftau   Got a question that needs answering? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A Facebook group or DM us to submit.

In this episode, Simon and Ryan dive into the parallels between two seemingly different worlds - the high-octane arena of professional NRL football and the gritty reality of a construction site. Join us as our guest, ex-professional NRL player Josh Mansour, shares his unique insights on teamwork, resilience, and goal-setting in both these worlds.   From thrilling tries in rugby league to coaching a team on a building site, Josh reveals how the skills he honed on the football field translate into his work in construction. We'll also delve into the art of setting ambitious goals, staying motivated, and remaining committed, no matter the obstacles.   Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a construction pro, or someone seeking an extra dose of inspiration, this episode promises to offer valuable lessons to get ahead.   Tune in and find out what it took Josh to tackle two careers at the same time!  Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia  Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia   Follow Josh: @joshmansour_ Follow Clique Built: @cliquebuilt   Got a question that needs answering? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A Facebook group or DM us to submit.

Get ready for some real-talk about finance in this episode of The Built Different Podcast. Whether you're a fresh-faced tradie or eyeing to start your small business soon, we cover some of the wisdom you need to ensure your venture doesn't go belly-up.   Join hosts Simon Mee and Ryan May as they delve into the reality of managing finances in the trades industry with Katie from Profit First for Tradies. This episode is jam-packed with practical advice - from the importance of keeping receipts and running all jobs through the books, to assembling a reliable business support team.    Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia  Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia   Follow Katie & Profit First for Tradies: @profitfirstfortradies   Got a question that needs answering? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A Facebook group or DM us to submit.

Join Simon and Ryan as they dig into goal setting, diving head-first into some hard yakka, and focusing on quality craftsmanship with young tradie and licensed builder, Brayden Burgess from Sea to Saw Building Co. Hear how he doubled down on the construction industry, enrolling in both a university degree in construction management and a carpentry apprenticeship - at the same time! Watch on YouTube @builtdifferentaustralia Follow us on Instagram @builtdifferentaustralia Follow Brayden: @braydenclarkburgess Follow Sea to Saw Building Co: @seatosawbuildingco Got a question that needs answering by the Built Different podcast? Join the Tradie & Apprentice Q+A Facebook group or DM us to submit. ➡ Follow Simon: @simon.mee89 ➡ Follow Ryan: @ryan.builtdifferent

Introducing the Built Different Podcast, a podcast for tradies who are built different. Meet your hosts Simon Mee, third-year apprentice carpenter and two-time Survivor Australia contestant, and Ryan May, Built Different Ambassador at the Housing Industry Association. Every fortnight they’ll be speaking to an inspiring legend from the Australian building and construction industry, uncovering their journey and sharing the best pieces of advice to help you get ahead in your career, and in life. Get a sneak peek into wha's to come for the Built Different Podcast and who you can expect to hear from.