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The Site Shed

The Site Shed

By: Matt Jones - Helping Tradies Build Smarter Scalable Businesses
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About this listen

The Site Shed is a global podcast for tradies and trade-based business owners, designed to educate and inform around the topics that matter most in running a business.

Hosted by former plumber and digital agency owner Matt Jones, the podcast covers real-world conversations on apprenticeships, marketing, systems, technology, hiring, leadership, and more — all tailored to the trades.

Each episode features practical insights, honest lessons, and expert guests from across the industry. Whether you're a plumber, builder, electrician, landscaper, or any hands-on business owner, you'll find ideas and experiences you can apply straight away.

If you're ready to work smarter, not harder, The Site Shed offers tools, ideas, and perspectives to help your business move forward.

© 2025 The Site Shed
Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • Team Retention Hacks: How To Hire (And Keep) Great Team Members in 2025 | ft. Chris Koch | Ep. 462
    Sep 2 2025

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    In this episode, host Matt Jones is joined once again by Chris Koch to deep dive into company culture, recruitment, and building high-performing teams in the trades. Drawing from his experience with BDR and a recent read of Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why,” Chris shares why getting back to the basics—knowing your company’s mission, vision, and values—forms the bedrock of attracting and retaining top talent.

    ⏱️ Timestamps:
    00:00 "Readiness Unlocks Effective Learning"
    05:10 "Becoming the Employer of Choice"
    06:56 "Cultivating Positive Work Culture"
    12:35 Effective Team Communication Goals
    14:02 Aligning Incentives and Communication Strategies
    17:56 Hiring and Managing Expectations
    20:47 EOS Management Structure Revamp
    25:01 Streamlining for Efficient Growth
    27:55 Fostering Growth Through Trust
    32:01 Balancing Culture and Productivity
    34:08 Challenging Hiring Process Benefits
    38:57 "Defining Roles Boosts Hiring Success"
    41:35 Leveraging Team Networks for Recruitment
    44:20 Effort Matters in Hiring Process
    48:40 "Seeking Committed Business Partners"

    Takeaways:

    • Why “Start With Why” is more than a book title—and how it inspires staff at every level
    • Culture as your #1 recruitment tool: how top firms make the team do the hiring for them
    • Practical hiring hacks to avoid costly mis-hires (plus the monthly ritual that keeps your culture on point)

    Matt and Chris unpack real-world strategies for becoming the “employer of choice,” from performance-based incentives to intentional hiring processes that go way beyond checking boxes. They discuss the power of clear communication, the importance of one-on-one meetings, and how a strong organizational culture turns team members into your company’s best recruiters. Plus, they offer actionable tips on structuring interviews, keeping staff engaged, and the often-overlooked value of social gatherings and regular check-ins.

    Get FREE marketing insights for your business when you complete the Opportunity Scorecard - https://go.tradiewebguys.com.au/

    Don't let your business fall behind—explore the power of AI with Tradie Hub. Visit tradiehub.net to see the innovative AI tools crafted just for tradies. Discover how you can stay ahead and transform your business with cutting-edge technology!

    🧰 Want Access To Tools & Training from Industry Leaders?

    Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

    👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool.

    📲 Stay Connected:

    • Facebook: The Site Shed
    • Instagram: @thesiteshed
    • LinkedIn: The Site Shed
    • Website: thesiteshed.com
    • Join a global community of 6000+ trade professionals https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSiteShed


    ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave us a review here!

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    56 mins
  • Exiting Your Trade Business For High Multiples (Enterprise Value) | ft. Jeff Armstrong | Ep. 461
    Aug 26 2025

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    In this episode, host Matt Jones sits down with Jeff Armstrong from Cultivate Advisors—a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in helping business owners unlock the true value of their companies. Building on conversations from previous episodes about buying and selling trade businesses, Matt and Jeff dig deep into what it really takes to prepare your business to be an attractive, saleable asset.

    ⏱️ Timestamps:
    00:00 Trade Business Mergers & Sales Insights
    05:04 Business Owners' Ownership Transfer Blind Spot
    08:17 "Business Exit Strategy Insights"
    12:05 Business Health Score Evaluation
    15:11 "Evaluating Enterprise Value"
    18:51 Owner Dependency in Business Operations
    22:21 "Exit Planning Methodology Overview"
    24:19 "Measuring Success Beyond Financial Metrics"
    29:32 Transitioning to Paid Marketing Strategies
    32:47 Business Evaluation and Future Planning
    34:10 Customized Growth Strategy Blueprint
    37:31 Discussing Business Exits and Value

    Takeaways:

    • Why 70% of trade businesses never sell—and how to avoid being one of them
    • What “enterprise value” actually means for tradies, and why it matters
    • The top blind spots that keep owners stuck as the main cog in the machine
    • How to turn your business into a cash cow OR sale-ready asset

    Jeff shares powerful insights into the concept of “enterprise value,” explaining why most business owners mistakenly view their companies as just income producers rather than valuable, transferable assets. The conversation explores common blind spots, key value drivers like owner dependency and financial clarity, and practical steps you can take—even if you’re not planning to sell right away—to build a business that runs without you and stands out to buyers or investors.

    Get FREE marketing insights for your business when you complete the Opportunity Scorecard - https://go.tradiewebguys.com.au/

    Don't let your business fall behind—explore the power of AI with Tradie Hub. Visit tradiehub.net to see the innovative AI tools crafted just for tradies. Discover how you can stay ahead and transform your business with cutting-edge technology!

    🧰 Want Access To Tools & Training from Industry Leaders?

    Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

    👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool.

    📲 Stay Connected:

    • Facebook: The Site Shed
    • Instagram: @thesiteshed
    • LinkedIn: The Site Shed
    • Website: thesiteshed.com
    • Join a global community of 6000+ trade professionals https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSiteShed


    ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave us a review here!

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    43 mins
  • 500 staff and 440 trucks on the road. Not Your Average Plumbing Company | ft. John Akhoian | Ep. 460
    Aug 19 2025

    Send us a text

    In this episode, host Matt Jones is joined by a familiar face—John, the CEO of Rooter Hero from Los Angeles. It’s been nearly six years since John last appeared on the show, and a lot has changed in that time. Together, Matt and John take a deep dive into the incredible growth journey of Rooter Hero, which has more than doubled in size since 2019, now boasting over 500 employees and 440 vehicles on the road.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Company Doubles in Size
    03:24 Futuristic Business Strategy Planning
    08:53 Consolidating Units Challenges Backend
    10:29 Learning Business Expansion Strategies
    15:48 AI Integration in Business Operations
    18:19 AI Streamlines Job Applicant Screening
    22:26 Promoting Trade Careers Over Tech
    25:48 Maximizing Maintenance for Business Growth
    29:29 Commercial vs. Residential Tech Differences
    32:46 Future Business Expansion Possibility
    33:57 Expanding Beyond California

    Takeaways:

    • The #1 mindset shift you need before attempting big growth
    • How quarterly strategy, EOS/Traction, and external coaches help manage a massive team
    • Real-world ways AI & automation are transforming hiring, onboarding, and daily ops

    You'll get an inside look at how John leads a rapidly scaling business, the evolution of his role as CEO, and the challenges of executing change at scale. The conversation covers everything from the impact of technology and AI in streamlining operations, to the importance of structured planning and the influence of operating systems like Gino Wickman’s EOS.

    Don't let your business fall behind—explore the power of AI with Tradie Hub. Visit tradiehub.net to see the innovative AI tools crafted just for tradies. Discover how you can stay ahead and transform your business with cutting-edge technology!

    🧰 Want Access To Tools & Training from Industry Leaders?

    Join Tradie Academy, our free community packed with templates, checklists, and resources shared by podcast guests, coaches, and successful tradies.

    👉 Join free and grab your next growth tool.

    📲 Stay Connected:

    • Facebook: The Site Shed
    • Instagram: @thesiteshed
    • LinkedIn: The Site Shed
    • Website: thesiteshed.com
    • Join a global community of 6000+ trade professionals https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSiteShed


    ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Leave us a review here!

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    • Spotify/Apple
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
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