Are your biggest projects actually your least profitable?

In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast (EP 168 Part 1), I sit down with Adrian Ramsay , award-winning building designer and host of Dream Homes Revealed, to unpack the truth about profit, projects, and building a business that works.

Adrian shares how smaller "learning projects" can often deliver better margins than large, ego-driven builds, and why choosing the right clients matters more than chasing big-dollar jobs. We also touch on simple financial systems, cash flow, and turning challenges into strengths in business.

Key Takeaways:
• Small projects can drive higher profit
• Don't chase jobs, choose the right clients
• Build systems that support your business

Tune in and rethink how you approach profit and growth.

Connect with Adrian:
Website: https://ardesignhouse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdrianRamsayDesignHouse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianramsay
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ramsay-6197a73/
Podcast: https://talkdesign.show/

More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

What if the biggest mistake investors make isn't the stock they pick… but how they think about the market?

In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, Mick sits down with seasoned investor Terry Tran to unpack the misconceptions many Australian investors have about markets, valuations, and risk.

With nearly 30 years of experience, Terry shares why protecting capital matters more than chasing returns, how emotional decision-making leads to poor outcomes, and why today's market conditions where some companies trade at 30–40× earnings require a more disciplined and cautious approach.

Australians reviewing their super.

Connect with Terry:
Company: https://www.thefreedomtrader.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFreedomTrader/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreedomtrader/

More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

This episode is a practical discussion on risk, mindset, and making smarter investment decisions, particularly when strong markets mask warning signs. It offers clarity for active investors and those seeking market understanding.

What if the real reason you feel overwhelmed in your business isn't discipline… But design?

In Part 2 of this conversation on The ToolShed Podcast, I continue my discussion with ADHD strategist Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organisation. We dig deeper into the patterns that many business owners experience, burnout, last-minute pressure, and the constant feeling of being busy but not moving forward.

Skye explains that for many entrepreneurs, the issue isn't laziness or lack of motivation. Instead, it's operating a business in a way that works against how their brain naturally functions. When systems and structures are built properly, those same tendencies can become strengths rather than obstacles.

Connect with Skye:
Website: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalOrganisation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unconventionalorganisation/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skye-waterson-026286204/
Podcast: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/theadhdskillslab

This episode explores the connection between ADHD tendencies, executive functioning, leadership awareness, and founder burnout, and why understanding your strengths and weaknesses can transform how you operate your business

More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

Most business owners think their biggest challenge is discipline. Work harder. Focus more. Push through. But what if the real issue isn't motivation at all?

In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, Mick Hawes sits down with ADHD strategist and academic Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organisation, to unpack how ADHD actually shows up in business.

Many entrepreneurs struggle with time blindness, working memory challenges, and executive function, which can lead to missed deadlines, forgotten tasks, and constant frustration despite knowing exactly what needs to be done.

This conversation is particularly relevant for construction business owners, builders, and entrepreneurs who often juggle multiple responsibilities, site demands, and constant decision-making.

Connect with Skye:
Website: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnconventionalOrganisation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unconventionalorganisation/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skye-waterson-026286204/
Podcast: https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/theadhdskillslab

Instead of forcing your brain to work harder, this episode explores how to design systems that work with the way your brain naturally operates.

More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

What happens when someone stops accepting "that's just how it is" and decides to fix it?

In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, Mick Hawes sits down with Kym O'Leary, founder of COgear Industrial Workwear and inventor of the HMZ tear-away hemming system. With nearly two decades of experience in mining and manufacturing, Kym saw firsthand how women in industrial and construction environments were forced to wear poorly designed workwear built for men.

Instead of waiting for change, she created it.

Connect with Kym:
Company: https://www.cogear.com.au/ & https://hmz.design/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/COGearAU
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cogearau/ & https://www.instagram.com/hmz.hemming/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hmz.design/
Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@kym.oleary

If you're a builder, business owner, or leader in construction looking to improve culture, inclusion, and practical outcomes on site, this episode will give you perspective.

More profit, less grind? Take the Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

What if modern success is the very thing making people miserable?

In Part 2 of this conversation, Jim Penman shares the deeper philosophy behind building one of the largest franchise networks in the Southern Hemisphere and why long term thinking matters more than ever.

We explore why short term rewards and dopamine driven habits are quietly eroding fulfillment, how comfort can weaken discipline, and why responsibility remains the foundation of lasting success. Jim challenges the idea that more money, speed, and stimulation automatically lead to a better life.

Connect with Jim Penman:
Website: https://jimpenman.com.au/
Jim's Group: https://jims.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejimpenman/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejimpenman/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thejimpenman
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@jimsgroup
Twitter: twitter.com/jimsgroup
Jim's Podcast: www.youtube.com/@JimsGroup

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/3bHnSxYzGx4

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast

Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

Stay tuned next week when we talk about it. So, don't forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

What does it really take to build a franchise empire that lasts decades, not just a business that burns bright and burns out?

In this episode of The ToolShed Podcast, I sit down with Jim Penman, founder of Jim's Group, the largest franchise network in the Southern Hemisphere with more than 5,500 franchisees across 50+ service divisions.

In Part 1 of this conversation, we unpack the foundations that allowed Jim to scale a simple service business into a household name, without sacrificing relationships, values, or long-term thinking.

Connect with Jim Penman:
Website: https://jimpenman.com.au/
Jim's Group: https://jims.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejimpenman/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejimpenman/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thejimpenman
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@jimsgroup
Twitter: twitter.com/jimsgroup
Jim's Podcast: www.youtube.com/@JimsGroup

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/3bHnSxYzGx4

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast

Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

Stay tuned next week when we talk about it. So, don't forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.

What does it really take to build a successful business when there are no guarantees?

In this episode, Mick sits down with Mark Deacon to unpack the often unseen side of growth resilience, uncertainty, discipline, and the long stretches where effort comes long before reward.

This is not a story about overnight success or shortcuts. It's a practical conversation about staying in the game when outcomes aren't guaranteed, and why that mindset matters deeply for builders and business owners navigating pressure, risk, and responsibility.

Connect with Mark Deacon:
Website: https://archix.ai/en & https://www.canibuild.com/en-us/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canibuildapp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canibuild/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@canibuild2020

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/Pr0nKE7kzho

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@TheToolShedPodcast

Take the free 2-minute Builder Freedom Readiness Scorecard: https://buildersfreedomreadiness.scoreapp.com/

Stay tuned next week when we talk about it. So, don't forget to subscribe to the show to get that episode as soon it gets released. Until then, stay healthy.