Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Welcome back to The Building Talks Podcast, wrapping up Season 4 with a story that perfectly captures grit, growth, and what’s possible in construction when mindset meets opportunity.

In this finale, I’m joined by Joey Hidalgo, founder of the TMC Academy and host of The Profitable Estimator Podcast. Joey moved from the Philippines to Australia with just $700, sending out 50 resumes a day before breaking into estimating and launching his own Estimating business. He shares how he built his career, the underestimated power of estimators, and why systems and mentorship matter more than ever. We also discuss how offshoring can solve skills shortages when done right and why Australia’s hiring mindset needs a serious rethink.

Takeaways:

✅ Building a career from scratch in a new country
✅ Estimating as a critical (and overlooked) skill
✅ Joey’s WPR framework: Win, Profit, Repeat
✅ The offshoring debate: cheap labour or opportunity bridge?
✅ Fixing the hiring mindset to focus on training, not perfection

Chapters:

05:23 Cultural Representation in Construction
08:20 National Pride and Historical Context
14:14 Career Path and Opportunities in Engineering
17:03 Transitioning to Estimating in Australia
23:54 Innovations in Estimating Processes
29:57 Reflections on Diversity in Construction
39:25 From Estimator to Entrepreneur
42:55 Identifying the Skills Gap in Estimating
45:40 The Challenge of Estimating in Construction
51:39 Building a BPO for Estimators
55:34 The Importance of Fair Compensation
58:22 The SOT Framework for Successful Offshoring
01:01:11 Building Trust and Communication in Remote Teams
01:08:43 Developing Talent in the Construction Industry
01:17:19 Finding the Right Fit: Training vs. Hiring
01:27:43 Perceptions of the Australian Construction Industry

Tune in for an inspiring, no-fluff chat about building a career from scratch, unlocking offshore potential, and why estimating deserves way more respect.

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#ConstructionCareers #EstimatingMatters #TheBuildingTalksPodcast #TMCacademy #ProfitableEstimator #OffshoringInConstruction #SkilledMigration #MentorshipInConstruction #ConstructionLeadership #DiversityInConstruction

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au

Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement!

www.housingallaustralians.org.au

The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

• Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
• Visit us on our website
• Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Hi there, and welcome to The Building Talks Podcast, where we dig into what really builds success…

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Clements, Managing Director of Inertia Engineering, a growing multidisciplinary Engineering firm based in Southeast Queensland. Scott’s story takes us from his early career in the UK to scaling a 70-person consultancy back in Australia, including some impressive growth during the COVID era.

We explore the mix of strategy, timing and mindset that helped Inertia grow through unpredictable conditions. Scott also shares sharp takes on labour shortages, skilled migration, the real role of AI in construction productivity, and how he's using smart partnerships, including a joint venture with a New Zealand tech firm, to keep Inertia ahead of the curve. It’s a shorter conversation than usual, but full of practical insights and forward-thinking leadership.

Takeaways:

✅ Growing through uncertainty, strategy vs luck
✅ Using AI and partnerships to drive productivity
✅ Talent shortages and the immigration squeeze
✅ Positioning your business for future growth
✅ Engineering leadership that challenges the norm

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Guest Overview
00:15 - Scott's Career Journey
01:25 - Industry Themes and Challenges
02:35 - Inertia Engineering's Growth and Strategy
03:37 - Podcast Partnership and Sponsorship
05:10 - Scott's Early Interest in Engineering
05:45 - Overseas Experience and Cultural Impact
11:01 - Inertia Engineering's History and Expansion
18:27 - Southeast Queensland Market Insights
24:54 - Productivity Challenges in Construction
28:12 - Cultural Shifts in Construction
28:48 - Innovation and Technology in Engineering
29:50 - Partnership with New Zealand Firm
30:38 - Challenges in Project Leadership
32:46 - Investment in AI and Automation
37:08 - Education and Skill Development
39:53 - Immigration and Labor Shortages
47:38 - Future Predictions and Strategies
57:55 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tune in for a sharp, honest chat on scaling smart and leading with intention in the built environment.

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#ConstructionLeadership #EngineeringBusiness #SoutheastQueensland #BuiltEnvironment #AIFuture #ImmigrationPolicy #ProductivityInConstruction #TheBuildingTalksPodcast

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au

Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement!

www.housingallaustralians.org.au

The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

• Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
• Visit us on our website
• Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Thanks for joining me today on The Building Talks Podcast, got a ripper episode lined up…

In this episode, I’m joined by Alana “Lu” Luppi, Senior Project Manager at ESR Group. From cleaning site sheds and abseiling high-rises to leading major commercial builds, Lu’s journey into construction is anything but ordinary.

We chat about how mentoring over 40 emerging professionals shaped her career, the story behind launching the Speak Up Foundation, and why emotional intelligence and continuous training matter more than bravado. If you care about culture, growth and fixing the industry’s training gaps, this one's for you.

Takeaways:

✅ Mentoring done right can keep people in the industry
✅ Curiosity trumps bravado in great leaders
✅ The industry needs more structured training and support
✅ Speaking up changes culture from the inside
✅ You don’t have to “do it tough” just because others did

Chapters:

04:40 – The Toughness of the Construction Industry
08:52 – Personal Journey into Construction
12:19 – Gender Dynamics in Construction
17:03 – Career Pivots and Education
20:05 – Mentorship and Support Systems
28:15 – Empowering Women and Marginalised Group in Construction
31:54 – Addressing Bias and Inclusion in the Industry
33:33 – The Role of Mentorship in Career Development
36:12 – Challenges in In-House Career Development
39:05 – The Importance of Leadership and Support
42:03 – Creating a Supportive Work Environment
44:39 – The Speak Up Foundation’s Mission
50:01 – The Future of Training and Development in Construction
58:39 – Evolving Mindsets and Personal Growth
01:00:46 – The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
01:03:18 – Navigating Challenges in Project Management
01:07:32 – Time Management and Reflection in Construction
01:10:52 – The Journey of Writing a Book
01:16:31 – Balancing Passion Projects with Professional Life

Tune in for an honest, energising chat on what it really takes to create a better future for construction.

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionLeadership #MentoringMatters #MentalHealthInConstruction #SpeakUpFoundation #WomenInConstruction #ESRGroup #ProjectManagement #IndustryCulture

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au

Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement!

www.housingallaustralians.org.au

The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

• Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
• Visit us on our website
• Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Welcome to the 100th episode of The Building Talks Podcast & what better way to celebrate than with a powerhouse conversation guaranteed to inspire and challenge your thinking!

Back on the mic are Andrew Deveson and David Caputo, co-founders of Kapitol, who first joined us back in March 2023.

In today's conversation we dive into the details about how Kapitol has become Australia's fastest growing commercial builder, what it takes to lead a business that’s redefining the industry through digital innovation, smart systems, & strong culture. We also explore how they’re tackling training, wellbeing, leadership, and their upcoming move into health and defence projects.

Takeaways:

✅ How Kapitol went from startup to billion-dollar builder
✅ The strategic discipline behind their rapid rise
✅ Their honest thoughts on the 13,000+ hours of internal training
✅ How they're using digital innovation & systems thinking to reshape construction
✅ Their mindset, staying healthy & leading with clarity
✅ Growing into new sectors: health, defence, Northern Territory
✅ Leadership, restlessness and resilience at scale

Chapters:

05:43 – Introduction and Reflections on Growth
06:53 – The Importance of Partnership in Business
08:57 – Rapid Growth and Business Success
14:00 – Investing in Systems and Training
20:12 – Cultural Shifts and Industry Disruption
25:51 – Future of Construction and AI Integration
33:09 – Transforming the Construction Industry
38:30 – Diversification and New Opportunities
43:02 – Building Systems for Success
50:00 – Navigating Leadership Challenges
59:38 – Investing in Training and Development
01:06:55 – Investing in AI: Costs and Training
01:12:45 – Mental Preparation for Leadership
01:22:02 – Future Goals and Strategic Vision

Tune in for a no-filter look at how two leaders are rewriting the rulebook for Australian construction at scale.

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #Kapitol #ConstructionLeadership #CommercialConstruction #DigitalEngineering #ConstructionCulture #40HourWorkWeek #Upskilling #AustralianConstruction #PropertyPodcast #BuiltEnvironment #ModernConstruction #ConstructionInnovation #100thepisode

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au

Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement!

www.housingallaustralians.org.au

The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

• Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
• Visit us on our website
• Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Good on you for joining us for another episode of The Building Talks Podcast! This time, I had the chance to speak with Ben Rowe, Project Director at RIVERLEE, who’s overseeing one of Melbourne’s most ambitious urban transformations, the regeneration of the 'New Epping' precinct. It’s a 50-hectare site that’s evolved from a 10-year plan to a 20-year vision, and Ben’s been at the centre of it for the last eight years.

We get into the realities of managing a multi-decade, multi-asset development that includes housing, healthcare, commercial, and retail, all while adapting to planning delays, shifting markets, and rising construction costs. Ben shares his approach to keeping long-term momentum, how to build trust with councils and communities, and what it takes to navigate risk, pick the right builders, and bring patient capital into the fold. He also opens up about his advocacy work through Queers in Property, driving visibility and inclusion in the built environment.

Takeaways

✅ Keeping momentum on long-term, complex projects
✅ Balancing risk, resilience and changing market conditions
✅ Building stakeholder trust through clear communication
✅ Why developers need adaptability and strong networks
✅ The importance of inclusion in property and construction

Chapters:

06:38 – The Journey into Property Development
09:21 – The Complexity of Large-Scale Developments
12:03 – Creating a Vision for Urban Regeneration
19:32 – Creating People-Friendly Spaces
24:38 – Understanding Community Needs
29:48 – Challenges in Construction Costs
34:36 – Managing Diverse Asset Classes
37:31 – User-Centric Design in Healthcare Projects
41:58 – Current Status of New Epping Project
49:09 – The Art of Development: Storytelling and Influence
52:00 – Current Challenges in Melbourne’s Property Development
58:13 – Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Role of Queers in Property
1:08:31 – Future Projects and Industry Outlook

Tune in for a real-world look at what it takes to deliver a future-ready precinct from the ground up.

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#UrbanRegeneration #PropertyDevelopment #EppingProject #Riverlee #BuiltEnvironment #PrecinctPlanning #LongTermVision #ConstructionLeadership #InclusiveDesign #QueersInProperty #BuildingTalksPodcast

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au

Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement!

www.housingallaustralians.org.au

The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

• Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
• Visit us on our website
• Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Hey folks, thanks for hitting play on another episode of The Building Talks Podcast! This time I’m joined by Ben Thomson, Traffic and Transport Engineer at Ratio Consultants, to explore how our streets really work and why they sometimes don’t.

We dive into car parking psychology, the balance between people and cars, e-scooters, 30km speed zones, and the transport challenges of greenfield vs inner-city suburbs. If you’re shaping communities, navigating planning, or just wondering why your street looks the way it does, this one’s for you.

Takeaways

✅ Why traffic engineers are people experts, not just planners
✅ The emotional politics behind “my parking spot”
✅ Designing streets for people, not just cars
✅ Transport challenges in greenfield vs inner-city areas
✅ The policy gaps behind the rise of e-scooters and e-bikes
✅ Balancing ideal planning with real-world constraints
✅ How early design decisions shape long-term outcomes

Chapters:

04:15 – Understanding Traffic Engineering and Its Impact
06:01 – The Role of AI in Traffic Engineering
08:40 – Day-to-day Responsibilities of a Traffic Engineer
11:20 – Challenges in Traffic Engineering Projects
14:13 – Emotional Aspects of Traffic Planning
25:53 – Designing Streets for People, Not Just Cars
30:29 – Transforming Urban Spaces: The Times Square Example
39:00 – Balancing Cars and Pedestrians in Urban Design
42:24 – The Impact of Speed Limits on Community Safety
52:51 – E-Mobility: The Future of Urban Transport
01:07:21 – Global Perspectives on Informal Transport
01:09:05 – Innovative Transport Alternatives in Australia
01:23:32 – The Role of Pets in Urban Planning

Step behind the scenes of the built environment and hear what really makes streets and cities work, for people and for progress.

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#TrafficEngineering #UrbanPlanning #SmartCities #TransportDesign #EScooters #GreenfieldGrowth #MelbournePlanning #BuiltEnvironment #ParkingDesign #CityMobility #PublicTransport #BuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionLeadership #InfrastructurePlanning

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au

Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement!

www.housingallaustralians.org.au

The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

• Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
• Visit us on our website
• Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

What’s up, everyone? This week, we catch up with Adam Jeffery, Project Manager at Kane Constructions, whose career has taken him from Melbourne to London and New York before returning home. Adam shares sharp insights into how construction differs across these markets, touching on contracts, procurement, safety, and the role (or absence) of unions.

We also explore what it takes to step into project management, the balance of technical know-how and people skills, and how young professionals can prepare for the leap. Adam opens up about relocating with a young family, re-establishing himself locally, and why international experience, when used wisely, can give you a powerful career edge.

Takeaways

✅ Comparing construction in London, New York and Melbourne
✅ Why project management is as much about people as it is process
✅ The different roles unions play around the world
✅ How international experience can set you apart back home
✅ The challenges (and rewards) of moving countries with a young family

Chapters:

03:11 – Background and International Experience
10:44 – Transitioning to the UK Construction Industry
16:15 – Brexit and Its Impact on the Construction Workforce
19:34 – Moving to the US and New York experience
31:27 – Contracting Differences: UK vs US
37:57 – Union Dynamics in Construction
57:39 – First Project at Kane: La Trobe University
01:01:50 – Perceptions of Overseas Experience in Australia
01:03:57 – Advise for Employers on Hiring International Talent
01:07:50 – The Importance of Soft Skills in Project Management
01:10:09 – Career Progression and Aspirations in Construction
01:11:34 – Advice for Young Professionals Considering Overseas Opportunities

Whether you’re eyeing an overseas stint, starting out in project management, or just curious about how different regions shape the way we build, this one’s full of practical takeaways.

Hope you enjoy the podcast!

#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #Construction #ProjectManagement #KaneConstructions #InternationalExperience #LeadershipInConstruction #CareerGrowth #BuildingSuccess #MelbourneConstruction #LondonConstruction #NewYorkConstruction

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au

Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement!

www.housingallaustralians.org.au

The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

• Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
• Visit us on our website
• Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au

Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!

Hey team, welcome back to The Building Talks Podcast! In this episode, I chat with the high-energy and insight-packed Kurt Hegetschweiler, founder of Builders Coach and author of 'The Builders Business Coach'.

Kurt’s worked with heaps of small to mid-sized builders across Australia, helping them build better, smarter and more profitable businesses. We unpack what sets high-performing businesses apart, from leadership and culture to the power of a growth mindset and setting clear goals.

Whether you’re a business owner, manager or team member keen to get better at what you do, this episode dives into how mindset shifts and accountability can transform how you work, lead and grow.

Key takeaways:

✅ The link between leadership and business success
✅ Why culture doesn’t just happen, it’s built
✅ The difference a coach can make in construction
✅ Setting scary goals, chasing growth and staying uncomfortable
✅ Making learning part of the job, not an afterthought

Chapters:

07:25 – Kurt’s Journey into Coaching and Construction
10:13 – The Importance of Leadership and Mindset
13:31 – Understanding Profit Margins and Financial Health
16:18 – The Race to the Bottom: Market Pressures
20:14 – The E-Myth and Business Acumen
23:20 – Setting Goals and Maintaining Focus
26:33 – The Importance of Coaching for New Businesses
29:17 – Mindset and Continuous Growth
39:38 – The Importance of Mindset in Success
43:35 – Embracing Growth and Learning from Mistakes
50:28 – Understanding Team Dynamics and Culture
55:41 – Leadership and the Impact of Coaching
01:00:09 – Adapting Leadership Styles for Generational Differences
01:05:57 – Navigating Change in Organisations
01:14:40 – Developing Leadership Skills
01:19:40 – Embracing AI in Business
01:22:49 – Navigating Technology and Systems for Success

Keen to read Kurt’s book? He’s giving away free copies, details in the episode!

Tune in now for some real talk on what it takes to grow a thriving construction business.

#TheBuildingTalksPodcast #ConstructionLeadership #BuildersCoach #MindsetMatters #ConstructionBusiness #LeadershipInConstruction #SmallBusinessGrowth #CultureInConstruction #GrowthMindset #ConstructionSuccess

The Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:

www.buildingenvirons.com.au

Proud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement!

www.housingallaustralians.org.au

The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast.

Contact The Building Talks Podcast

• Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram
• Visit us on our website
• Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au